Causes of Canine Cataracts Inherited Condition. Incidence of Cataracts in Different Dog Breeds. If you think your dog has cataracts… How Can I Care for My Pet After Cataract Surgery? Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs The most common sign of cataracts is, of course, a distinct change in the appearance of the eye. WebMD Veterinary Reference from the ASPCA, By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Vision loss associated with cataracts may also show up in unusual behavior by your pet. Making the Diagnosis. Many of these symptoms can also flag other eye issues or illnesses. What should you expect if your pet develops cataracts? With such suspicions, it is better to contact a specialist for qualified advice. A high-incidence of cataracts is also often attributed to diabetes. If you notice changes in your dog’s eye or … Cataracts in Dogs Cataracts in dogs is a very upsetting condition that can cause blindness… Conseqently, on this page we have provided a complete guide to the causes, types, symptoms treatment including a quick guide to cataract surgery for dogs, it’s side effects and the recovery time… Cataracts in dogs and cats is a potentially serious condition that can impair your pet’s eyesight, impact her quality of life and cause blindness. The most visible symptom of cataract in dogs are a cloudy appearance to the eyes. As a cataract progresses, the cloudiness prevents light from being focused and reaching the retina, which causes your pup to suffer vision loss. Trademarks owned by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Early stage cataracts often don't necessitate treatment, as the dog's vision may not be affected. The prognosis for dogs with surgically removed cataracts depends on the cataract’s stage at the time of removal and the presence/absence of co-existing eye problems. Some dogs may experience dizziness, which can manifest in vomiting or whining. Cataracts may also begin to dissolve after some time, causing deep, painful inflammation in the eye. According to the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, diabetes mellitus (aka sugar diabetes) is the most common disease associated with cataracts. Symptoms typically relate to the degree of vision impairment. She combines her love of veterinary medicine and technology at rhapsody.vet. Your veterinarian will be able to distinguish between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts — which, despite their similar appearances, are distinct. You may notice: A cloudiness, or grey tinge in your dog’s eye(s) - you may only notice this when light strikes the eye at a certain angle, or perhaps when you take a photograph of your dog. When a cataract forms, the lens becomes opaque, causing blurry vision. The most common signs are: A bluish, gray, or white layer in the eye A sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture If a cataract progresses and covers the rest of the healthy lens, it's called a mature cataract. Learn about some of the most common diseases in senior dogs and what you can do to best care for their health. Dr. Laci Schaible is a pioneer in the field of veterinary telemedicine. The signs of cataracts in dogs are very obvious and visible. This article is excerpted from “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook” with permission from Wiley Publishing, Inc. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Inside the eye is a structure called the lens. She lives in Florida with her son, the world's largest standard poodle, and her two toilet-trained cats. All rights reserved. The signs of cataracts developing are not always as obvious as you might expect, especially if they develop slowly, over a long period. Surgical cataracts treatment for dogs has been around for decades and is quite successful. Vision loss due to cataracts can often be restored through surgery. Luckily with cataracts - unless they progress and become larger - your dog will not feel its effects. How do you prevent cataracts in dogs? Sometimes a dog may paw or scratch at her eyes and a pet parent may mistake the behavior as an allergy or temporary irritation. Most dogs regain vision and are back up and playing in a matter of days. Trauma to the eye and chronic eye disease or infection may also lead to the development of cataracts. Cataracts are one of the most common eye problems in dogs. Cookie Consent Tool, Dominican Republic - República Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – (English). A high-incidence of cataracts is also often attributed to diabetes. The lens of the eye becomes opaque and white. After the operation, your dog will need to take medicine and see the vet for rechecks. Cataracts in dogs are usually easy to detect. If surgery isn't an option, it's important to control the disease process in the eye resulting from the cataract. If you find that your dog has any of these symptoms it is recommended that you go immediately to a veterinarian to determine what is actually happening to your pet. What Happens When a Cataract Goes Untreated? That should be a clear sign that it is time to visit the vet. Common diseases that cause cataracts in dogs include inflammation of the iris (uveitis), diabetes, and sometimes eye injuries. Nuclear sclerosis is a common condition in older dogs where the eyes may appear to have a blue-gray cloudiness over the pupils. There is a higher incidence of dog cataracts in 60 dog breeds with a 15% higher incidence in mixed breeds over age 7. In an eye with a cataract, the lens is cloudy, blocking the passage of light to the retina. If your dog’s eyes look cloudy or bluish-gray, you should take him to the vet for an exam. *Disclaimer: The information and suggestions in this article are not meant to replace the advice of vets. © 2020 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. This often gets confused with an infection or hygiene problem. Cataracts caused by UV light exposure are common in humans, but less likely to impact a dog’s vision. However, many dog owners mistake an eye condition called nuclear sclerosis for cataracts. This can lead to glaucoma, which can cause permanent blindness. The procedure also requires extensive postoperative care. Signs of canine cataracts include: The eyes are bluish-gray or cloudy in the eye; The clumsiness of the dog mostly due to poor site coursed by cataracts Dogs with cataracts might run into furniture, countertops or other surfaces that healthy dogs would recognize and avoid. In diabetic dogs, early signs of cataracts include excessive urination (polyuria) or abnormal thirst (polydipsia). Learn more about them as well as treatments and commonly asked questions. Cataracts in dogs are characterized by a cloudiness that forms in a clear sac that contains the lens of the dog’s eye. When light enters the eye, the lens focuses the light on the back of the retina. If cataracts are left untreated, the dog can become permanently blind. Be aware, though, that it’s natural for a dog’s lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. What are the Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs? Dog cataracts can be caused by old age, eye trauma, and diabetes. How Can I Help Preserve My Dog’s Vision? But the most common cause for cataracts is genetic, as it seems to continue from the previous generation to the next. In some cases, you may see a white spot or streak. Symptoms of cataracts in dogs. This is due to a normal thickening of your dog’s lens and it’s a natural part of aging. Cataracts result in the clouding or darkening of the lens in an eye. Additionally, dogs with cataracts may also rub or scratch their eyes frequently. Dogs can develop cataracts in the eyes, something that can blur and impair their vision.There are a number of symptoms that can help you to know if your dog has cataracts, such as a cloudy appearance in his eyes. Differences Between Cataracts, Glaucoma And Nuclear Sclerosis. To complicate things, not all cases of eye cloudiness are due to cataracts in dogs. Other caused of canine cataracts include: ... Cataracts can not be cured through medication, but some of the symptoms … An untreated cataract may “luxate” or slip from the tissue that holds it in place, freeing it to float around in the eye where it may settle and block natural fluid drainage. How Can I … After surgery, your pet will have to wear a protective (Elizabethan) collar until his eye heals. Deriving from an increased amount of proteins accumulating in the eye, the lens becomes cloudy or opaque. The symptoms of cataracts in dogs are not that many but still are very easily noticeable which depend mostly on the cause and severity of the condition. The key is to keep your dog at a healthy weight by feeding them a balanced food with all of the proper nutrients and to follow any advice that your vet gives you. Both cataracts and Nuclear Sclerosis look very similar and a pet would need to be seen by a Veterinarian or a veterinary eye specialist to determine the cause of their cloudy eyes. Cataracts may be passed down genetically, meaning any dog is at risk of the disease. Be aware of any conditions your dog has that may cause cataracts, such as diabetes or eye trauma. If you decide to adopt a puppy or an adult dog from a breeder, choose a breeder who screens for cataracts. The first step toward diagnosing canine cataracts is recognizing the symptoms. The cataracts begin at the center of the lens and gradually spread out toward the periphery. Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs. As lens changes progress, however, the dog's vision will continue to decline. A cataract is an opacity in the lens of a dog’s eye, causing him to have blurry vision. Most of the time, yes, dogs with cataracts can still see. This is a normal aging change called nuclear or lenticular sclerosis, and it doesn't affect vision. The easiest way to spot cataracts is if your dog’s eyes become blurry, cloudy, or have a bluish-grey appearance. Please consult a vet on your dog’s condition for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Other symptoms of cataracts in dogs may include: Confusion and clumsiness, especially in new settings A change of color to the pupil, usually from black to a blue-white or cream-white color A reluctance to jump onto furniture or into the car At its mature stage, a cataract causes the whole lens to become uniformly opaque. As the disease progresses, the eye becomes totally opaque, resulting in blindness. The most visible symptom of cataract in dogs are a cloudy appearance to the eyes. Dogs with less than 30 percent lens opacity, for example, display little or no symptoms, whereas those with more than 60 percent opacity of the lens may suffer from loss of vision or have difficulty seeing in dimly lit areas. Learn how common anxiety symptoms like diarrhea can happen & how to help them relax. Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs. Cataracts occur not only in older adults, but in younger people, too. Learn about the most common health problems in senior dogs, such as hearing & vision loss, joint problems and dementia, and treatment options. In dogs, inherited cataracts are most common, with certain dog breeds more affected including Poodles and Poodle crosses, Havanese, Golden Retriever, and Siberian Huskies. However, any cloudiness at all in your pet’s eye is a sign for you to take him to the vet. Meanwhile, if your dog has diabetes mellitus-related cataract, you may also observe increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, and weight loss in your … Cataracts in dogs can have a variety of causes. If possible, find out the medical history of your dog’s parents, since cataracts are often inherited. As a cataract progresses, the cloudiness prevents light from being focused and reaching the retina, which causes your pup to suffer vision loss. There are different stages of cataracts in dogs. In a healthy eye, the lens appears clear. Early removal in dogs with no co-existing eye issues ensures excellent visual acuity return in over 90% of the cases. Though dogs of all ages and breeds can develop cataracts, they are more commonly found in Smooth Fox Terriers, American Cocker Spaniels, Havanese, Bichon Frise, Silky Terriers, Miniature and Standard Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Boston Terriers. The possibilities of modern diagnostics and the good equipment of veterinary clinics make it possible to determine and identify symptoms characteristic of cataracts. Other pets will increase their intake of water and urinate more frequently if diabetes is an underlying cause. In fact, more than 100 dog breeds are known to have some incidence of hereditary cataracts. Hereditary cataracts, Fife says, tend to form in dogs at a young age—between 1 and 5 years old. This way, you can help keep your dog's eyes healthy and their vision clear long into their golden years. Cataracts can develop from disease, old age and trauma to the eye, but inherited conditions are the most common cause. Cataracts impair vision by clouding the lens in the dog’s eye, making it murky, grey/blue and clouded. It is important to understand the difference between the cloudiness or graying of the eye because of old age and cataracts. Glaucoma, cataracts and nuclear sclerosis are conditions that affect the eyes. Cataract surgery generally has a good success rate, but your veterinarian will need to determine whether your dog is a good surgical candidate. What are the symptoms of cataracts? How Can I Tell if My Dog Is Developing Cataracts? In some cases, dogs with cataracts are functionally blind, in fact. “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook”. Symptoms. Sometimes, the eye(s) may bulge or look reddened or inflamed. Scientists have identified gene mutations in several dog breeds that increase the risk of cataracts. Dogs with diabetes are also especially prone. Cataracts should not be mistaken with “lenticular sclerosis”, which is a normal change in the lens due to older age in dogs. The affected eye can even take on an icy appearance. Redness and irritation are other symptoms of cataracts, but they are also symptoms of other conditions as well. When an animal is born with this condition, it's called congenital cataracts. Cataracts may be present at birth or develop when a dog is very young-between one and three years of age. Diabetes is the second most common cause of cataracts in dogs, with over 75% of diabetic dogs getting vision altering cataracts within their first year of being diagnosed with diabetes. Anxiety can be a problem for dogs, especially ones new to your family. In most cases cataracts are hereditary, over one hundred different dog breeds are at risk for hereditary cataracts. The most common symptoms of cataracts in dogs are the following: Excessive tearing; Secretion in the eye area. A preliminary eye exam by your veterinarian will tell you whether you are dealing with a cataract or another condition that causes cloudiness in the eye. In most cases, cataracts cannot be prevented, but there are steps to take to ensure that your dog’s vision can be preserved, especially if they are caused by a medical condition like diabetes. Puppies can even be born with cataracts. According to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, breeds at a higher risk of cataracts include the cocker spaniel, Labrador retriever, poodle, Shih Tzu, schnauzer and Boston terrier. In some cases, you may see a white spot or streak. Lastly, if you notice excessive blinking or discharge from the eye, your dog may have cataracts. However, it's difficult to determine whether a cataract will progress and, if so, to what extent. In more advanced cases the following symptoms will be present: Blindness: This will manifest in your dog walking into furniture, having … Though cataracts are often considered to be a characteristic of senior pets, dogs can develop cataracts at any age. Mature cataracts in both eyes result in complete blindness. About our Ads. The ophthalmologist will perform a test called an electroretinogram to check the functionality of your dog's retina, along with an ultrasound of the eye to ensure the retina is fully attached. 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