There Are Many Causes of Canine Cataracts
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by: dogvision
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A canine cataract forms when the ratio of protein to water in a dogs lens becomes unbalanced by an increase in insoluable protein. Lenses normally exist in a dehydrated state of 66 percent water to 33 percent protein that is maintained by a biomechanical sodium water pump system inherent in each lens. If this pumping system is damaged or disrupted, excess water collects and increases the amount of insoluable protein in the lens. Any increase in insoluable protein disrupts the normal arrangement of the fibers of the lens or its surrounding capsule, causing loss of lens transparency, reduction of vision and cataract formation. Cataracts often appear either white or similar to crushed ice.
A dogs age when he develops a canine cataract determines the type of canine cataract and whether heredity has played a part in its development. A congenital canine cataract is present at birth and usually occurs in both eyes. It is not always hereditary and may result from in utero exposure to infections or toxins. Early onset canine cataracts develop in young dogs as the result of trauma, diabetes mellitus, or exposure to toxins or infections and may be hereditary. A senile, or late onset, canine cataract develops in dogs six years of age and older.
A hereditary canine cataract may either occur on its own or in connection with another eye disease. However, diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic cause of canine cataract formation. Through diabetes related metabolic processes, excess water is drawn to the lens and breaks down the lens fiber, leading to cataract formation. Canine cataracts form quickly in unregulated dogs and often develop in both eyes.
Canine cataract treatment involves surgical removal of the affected lens. Veterinary surgeons use one of several different surgical techniques to remove a canine cataract. The surgeon may decide to remove both the lens and its surrounding capsule, remove the lens without its capsule, or perform either phacoemulsification or aspiration and dessication. However, not every canine cataract patient is a good surgical candidate. Diabetic dogs not yet regulated, aggressive and difficult to treat dogs and dogs in poor or failing health will not make good candidates.
The condition known as nuclear sclerosis is often confused with a canine cataract. Nuclear sclerosis appears as a graying of the lens and typically occurs in both eyes of senior dogs six years of age or older. Linear lens fibers will compress and cause a loss of transparency but will not affect vision quality.
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