Here's What You Need To Know About Cataracts In Dogs

Here's What You Need To Know About Cataracts In Dogs

The clouding of the eye’s lens is known as a cataract, which leads to blindness. Unfortunately, your dog can get these too! Here’s what you need to know.

There Are Different Stages

Cataract development isn’t always linear, but here are some clear stages:

  • Incipient. Affects only 10-15% of the lens.
  • Immature. Affects 15-99% of the lens.
  • Mature. Vision is severely impaired.
  • Hypermature. The lens themselves are now physically affected.

How Could Have This Happened?

Here are a few possible causes:

  • Nutritional imbalance. Most common in puppyhood, but often resolves itself later
  • Toxicity. Toxin buildup can affect a dog’s lenses.
  • Diabetes. Cataracts tend to go hand-in-hand with this illness.
  • Aging. Cataracts are a common side-effect of getting old.
  • Eye trauma. Injuries can cause cataracts as a result.

Is It Really Cataracts?

It’s common to mistake nuclear sclerosis for cataracts due to how it looks. It’s a completely unrelated condition that’s otherwise harmless.

Who’s At Risk?

There’s a list of dog breeds that are known for being susceptible to getting cataracts. The condition can also be inherited, especially among pure breeds.

What Can You Do?

Prevention and treatment can be difficult, but here are some things within your power:

  • Have routine eye examinations, to catch the condition early.
  • Be mindful of injuries.
  • Supplements and herbal eyedrops may help prevent or reduce severity.
  • Medical eyedrops are a non-surgical alternative to treat your dog’s cataracts.
  • Surgery is the most common, and often final option to take.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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