If you notice that your dog's eyes are becoming cloudy, this could be a sign that it is developing cataracts. But what causes cataracts, what effect do they have on your pet's vision, and what could an ophthalmic animal surgeon do to help? Read on to find out more.
Cataracts in Dogs – Cause and Effect
Cataracts are usually attributed to old age, to trauma to the dog's eye, to inherited conditions, or to health problems, such as diabetes.
If the condition is left untreated, the cataract could become detached from the tissue that anchors it within the eye, allowing it to float freely around the eye. This can lead to problems with blockages in the mechanisms of the eye that allow natural fluid drainage, causing its tear ducts to become blocked and possibly infected. Cataracts may also dissolve within the eye, leading to inflammation and pain.
Ultimately, cataracts can totally obscure the dog's lens, causing blindness.
Symptoms of Cataracts
It's quite natural, and to be expected, that your dog's eyes will begin to appear cloudy or bluish-grey as it ages. This is due to a condition called, nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis does not generally impair the dog's vision, and treatment is not usually required.
However, cloudiness may also be an early sign that a cataract is developing. You should be particularly vigilant if your dog suffers from diabetes. In addition to cloudiness of the eyes, watch out for signs that your dog might be losing its sight, for example not seeing things like toys, or appearing unaware that you have entered the room.
If you notice any disturbance of your dog's vision or cloudiness in one or both of its eyes, always have your dog examined by a vet or animal specialist for a definitive diagnosis.
How are cataracts treated?
If your dog is diagnosed with cataracts and your vet considers that treatment is recommended, you may be referred to an ophthalmic animal surgeon in your area.
Your dog will undergo surgery under a general anaesthetic during which the cataract is removed and replaced with an acrylic or plastic lens. Such surgery has a good success rate, and there's every chance that your dog's vision will return to normal following recovery.
Following surgery, you will have to give your dog eye drops every day as its eye heals, it will need to wear a protective 'lampshade' collar to stop it from rubbing his eye, and you'll need to keep its environment calm and quiet.
In Conclusion
If you notice that your dog's eyes are becoming cloudy, if you think that it appears to be experiencing difficulty seeing clearly, always consult your animal surgeon in the area immediately.
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