Dog owners often suspect cataracts when they see a blue, gray cloudy appearance in their dog’s eyes. According to veterinarians at Animal Eye Care Clinic in Washington, a cataract is any opacity within a lens of the eye. It prevents the reflection of light on the retina. Cataracts cause a hazy, blue appearance and eventually blindness.
Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis?
All older dogs develop nuclear sclerosis which also appears as a bluish, gray cloudy haze in the eye due to a hardening of the lens and does not interfere with vision or require treatment.
When cataracts are small, vision loss may be minor and the dog may not show any signs of blindness so even if a dog with cloudy eyes seems to retain good vision, it still doesn’t rule out cataracts. Dogs are also great at adapting to blindness and the condition may not be apparent until cataracts are well advanced. It’s also possible for a dog to have both nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. Regular eye checkups are so important as early diagnosis and treatment can mean a much better outcome.
Though it can be difficult, sometimes even for a veterinarian, to tell the difference between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts, a veterinary ophthalmologist with specialized equipment and expertise can tell if it is cataracts, nuclear sclerosis, or some other eye disease.
Treatment of Cataracts in Dogs
Depending on the cause and the advancement of the cataracts, as well as the health condition of the dog, cataracts may be removed surgically or treated with medication. Because the earlier a cataract can be removed the better the outcome, veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. McCalla of Animal Eye Care explains that there is a best window of time in which to perform surgery.
Though cataract surgery has over 90% success rate and usually provides immediate improvement in vision, it is not without risk of complications and blindness. Cataracts do not recur after surgery but some dogs may eventually experience decreased vision due to scarring.
Not all dogs, such as diabetic dogs or geriatric dogs, will be candidates for surgery and may be treated with medication in the form of eye drops for an extended time and followup veterinary exams. Improvement may be slower but many dogs do well with only medicinal treatment. Some vets may also suggest a natural or organic diet supplemented with unique vitamins and minerals, along with keeping eye hair trimmed and limiting exposure to dust, smoke, and aerosol chemicals to minimize irritation.
As always, early treatment is best, however medicinal treatment is not always effective and cataracts carry the possibility of complications resulting in chronic painful headaches for the dog. These may not be evident except perhaps in the form of lethargy, but dogs may simply become less active due to failing vision.
Why Does My Dog Have Cataracts?
Of course any dog can develop cataracts at any age but cataracts are one of the genetic diseases prevalent in Cocker Spaniels, Huskies, Poodles, Terriers, Bichon Frises, and Retrievers. Causes of cataracts include:
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Underlying Ocular Disease
- Trauma or injury
- Nutritional deficiencies
Summary of Cataracts in Dogs
Diagnosis and treatment of cataracts depend on many factors. If cataracts result from an underlying disease such as diabetes, this condition must also be addressed. Regular eye exams are important for your dog’s vision and health as early diagnosis and treatment mean a better outcome. A veterinarian or ophthalmologist can help dog owners decide the best treatment for individual cases.
Related Reading:
Genetic Diseases of Purebred Dogs
Hazy Gray in Dogs’ Eyes May Be Nuclear Sclerosis
Sources:
Cataracts in Dogs, Animaleyecare.net
Cataracts in Dogs by Dr. Jon Rappaport, Petplace.com
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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