Cataracts in pets cause blurred vision and left to thicken and become denser means they will most likely lead to blindness. A cataract is when the lens of the eye starts to form an opacity and can be caused by disease like diabetes, old age and trauma to the eye itself. The most common cause of all is inheritance.

What To Look Out For

A cloudy or bluish-gray film on your dog’s eye is a sign of a cataract and should be seen by your Vet for their recommended treatment. It is natural that your dog’s eyes to become gray or cloudy with age. This is called nuclear sclerosis and doesn’t affect your dog’s vision as much as cataracts. However, the biggest tell-tale sign of a cataract is cloudiness and this will need treatment if it is to prevent your dog going blind.

If a cataract is left untreated the cataract itself may slip from the affixed tissue and float around in the eye, causing possible blockages that can lead to a serious condition called glaucoma. This means permanent blindness and cannot be treated. Another serious problem caused by a luxating cataract is painful inflammation of the eye as the cataract begins to disintegrate.

Commonly Affected Breeds

All dogs are able to develop cataracts, but they are most common in:

• Cocker Spaniels,
• Poodles
• Miniature Schnauzers
• Terriers
• Golden Retrievers
• Dogs with diabetes

Diagnosing and Treating a Cataract

Consultation with your local vet will tell you whether your dog has a cataract and what further steps to take. If you suspect your dog has a cataract forming or they are having trouble seeing please make an appointment as soon as possible as visionloss can often be restored through surgery. Surgery includes removal of the lens and replacing it with a plastic or acrylic substitute.

How You Can Help

Most of the time a cataract is unpreventable, but there are some causes of cataracts that can be avoided. For example, conditions like diabetes or eye trauma can cause cataracts so it is highly beneficial to treat the underlying conditions first.

Regularly checking your pet’s eyes for a bluish-gray tinge and keeping regular checkups with your vet means any issues with eye health can be caught early and will give your fur friend a good chance of early treatment.