CATARACTS IN DOGS

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside a dog’s eye that prevents light from reaching the retina normally. The result is a decrease in visual acuity and possibly a complete loss of sight. Depending upon the primary cause of the cataract, it may develop in either one eye or in both. In addition, the rate at which the cataract develops will depend on its primary cause.

Cataracts primarily affect older dogs; however, cataracts can occur in younger dogs based on genetic predisposition, injury or secondary to a disease process such as diabetes. Prompt identification of cataracts is beneficial because most treatments for cataracts are successful if treated early.

Causes

Cataracts develop when proteins within the lens become damaged and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy.

Common Causes Include:

• Inheritance (genetic causes for cataracts exist in specific breeds)
• Aging (senile cataracts common in senior dogs)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Trauma or injury to the eye
• Uveitis (inflammation in the eye)
• Malnutrition (rare occurrence with current diets)

Some breeds have increased susceptibility to developing cataracts through heredity and include Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies.

Symptoms

Cataracts may develop slowly; therefore, symptoms may be difficult to detect until they become apparent.

Common Clinical Signs

• Cloudy, white or bluish appearance of one or both eyes
• Impaired ability to see at night
• Bumping into furniture or objects
• Hesitation on stairways or in new areas
• Clumsiness or reduced confidence when moving around
• Rubbing or mild irritability of the eye

As a cataract progresses, visual acuity will decrease.

Risks

Cataracts themselves are not always painful, but if left untreated, they can produce serious problems that could impact quality of life. One of the most significant complications of untreated cataracts is progressive vision loss that may eventually lead to blindness.

Advanced cataracts may also increase the risk of inflammation within the eye, which can cause discomfort and lead to additional complications. Secondary conditions in the eyes can develop from the inflammation and require long-term management.

In addition to these issues, untreated cataracts may put individuals at greater risk of developing glaucoma, a potentially debilitating condition where there is excessive intraocular pressure, causing severe pain.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cataracts involves a comprehensive physical and eye examination by a veterinarian. A detailed ophthalmic examination allows the veterinarian to evaluate the lens and determine the extent of the cataract.

Other examinations may include tonometry or measurement of eye pressure, to eliminate other possible complications such as glaucoma.

If cataracts have been identified, the individual’s primary care veterinarian typically refers them to a veterinary ophthalmologist to perform further evaluations to determine the best plan for treating the animal.

Treatment

Treatment will depend upon the severity of the cataracts and the dogs overall eye health.

Medical Management

There are currently no medications that can reverse or cure cataracts. However, medications may be prescribed to manage inflammation or other eye conditions associated with cataracts. In mild cases, regular monitoring and management of underlying conditions may be recommended until surgery becomes necessary.

Surgical Treatment

Cataract surgery is considered the best course of action for treating cataracts. The surgical process involves removing the clouded lens via a procedure called phacoemulsification. An artificial lens may also be placed during this time to improve vision.

Your veterinarian would likely recommend cataract surgery if they determine that your dog’s cataracts are affecting their vision enough to warrant it. Also, depending on your veterinarian’s evaluation, your dog should be healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia and recover from the surgery.

Prevention

While you cannot prevent every type of cataract (especially age-related cataracts), you can take steps to minimize your dog’s chance of developing them or to slow down the rate at which cataracts develop.

• Regular eye examinations are especially important for senior dogs and breeds predisposed to cataracts.
• Properly managing diabetes to decrease your dog’s chances of complications from cataracts
• Protecting your dog’s eyes from injuries or trauma
• Treating your dog quickly if they develop an eye infection or become inflamed
• Maintaining proper nutrition and health for your dog

Ultimately, early diagnosis is key to maintaining your dog’s ability to see and improving your dog’s chances for successful treatment.