Symptoms of a Canine Cataract
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by: dogvision
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Canine cataracts are one a common eye condition in dogs. A dog can develop a cataract at any age. This common eye condition is found in all breeds of dogs. When a canine cataract develops it will give an opacity or blurriness to the lens of the eye. When a cataract develops on the lens it can affect all of it or just part of it. When the cataract begins it can progress from a mild condition to a full blown cataract. A dog can go blind from a cataract that is left untreated. There is no way to prevent them from developing and the dog can not be treated for a cataract until one begins to form.
Genetics play a big part in the development of a canine cataract, but it can also be an acquired condition. Sometimes a puppy will be born with one. Still others will develop them a week or two after they are born. When an old dog develops one it is called a senile cataract. Canine cataracts are more common in certain breeds than in others. A common cause for an acquired canine cataract is diabetes. Sometimes a trauma to the eye can cause a canine cataract to develop.
Symptoms of a canine cataract include the appearance of a white cloudiness to the eye. Sometimes the area around the eye will be swollen and red. Some dogs will experience pain around the eyes as well. A dog may squint and begin moving around less when a canine cataract develops. The dog may also bump into things as if they are having trouble seeing. If a dog develops a severe cataract the standard treatment is surgery. Doing surgery on the eye will not guarantee a complete restoration of sight to the eye however. Canine cataract surgery is called phacoemulsification. The lens is normally removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Only a licensed veterinarian who is qualified as a pet surgeon should do the procedure. It can take up to six weeks for recovery. There is a 90 to 95% success rate for canine cataract surgery.
However the dog must be treated for the canine cataract early for treatment to be successful. It is always important to make sure your pet is getting regular eye exams so a canine cataract can be caught early. If the appropriate treatment is begun soon enough there is a possibility that the cataract can be reversed. Links to more Pra disease -- Dog cataract surgery -- Cataract dog -- Dog cataract surgery -- Dog vision problems --
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