Regular Eye Exams are Necessary for Early Treatment of Canine Cataract
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by: dogvision
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It is common for a dog to develop a canine cataract in one or both eyes. The age of the dog is not a factor in the development of a cataract in their eyes. 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. When a dog develops a cataract it can lead to a total loss of vision if it is not treated. There is no way to prevent them from developing and the dog can not be treated for a cataract until one begins to form.
A canine cataract is either an acquired condition or it can be cause by genetics. 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. Certain breeds are more prone to canine cataracts than others. Diabetes is a common cause for an acquired canine cataract. Sometimes a trauma to the eye can cause a canine cataract to develop.
One obvious symptom of a canine cataract is a white or cloudy eye. Sometimes the area around the eye will be swollen and red. The dog may be sensitive to pain around the affected eye as well. When a dog is developing a canine cataract they may squint and become less active. You may notice the dog bumping into things which is a signal that they are not seeing very well. The treatment for a canine cataract will require surgery if the cataract is severe. Doing surgery on the eye will not guarantee a complete restoration of sight to the eye however. The type of surgery done for a canine cataract is called phacoemulsification. It involves removing the affected part of the lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. The surgery should only be done by a veterinarian who is licensed to perform surgery. It can take up to six weeks for recovery. There is a 90 to 95% success rate for canine cataract surgery.
However the canine cataract has to be treated in time for success. 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. Similar References Dog vision problems ... Dog cataract surgery ... Dog vision surgery ... Pra disease ...
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