Canine cataracts are one a common eye condition in dogs. A dog can develop a cataract at any age. The breed does not matter either because all breeds are susceptible for this common eye condition. When a canine cataract develops it will give an opacity or blurriness to the lens of the eye. Only a part of the lens can be affected by a cataract or the whole lens can be affected. 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 known prevention and they can only be treated once they begin.
A canine cataract is either an acquired condition or it can be cause by genetics. Some dogs are even born with them. Still others will develop them a week or two after they are born. When a cataract develops in an old dog it is referred to as a senile cataract. Canine cataracts are more common in certain breeds than in others. A common cause for an acquired canine cataract is diabetes. A canine cataract can develop after the dog suffers a trauma to the eye as well.
One obvious symptom of a canine cataract is a white or cloudy eye. There may be swelling and redness around the eye as well. 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. 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. There is no guarantee that the sight in that eye will be completed restored though. The type of surgery done for a canine cataract 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 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. More info Veterinary ophthalmologist -- Canine cataract --

View PDF | Print View
by: dogvision
Total views: 54
Word Count: 463