Cataracts in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Our pets' vision is different depending on each species, but the most important thing is that we always take care of them and be alert to any problems that may arise. It is important that we keep in mind that their eyes are not as well developed as those of humans.

In the case of dogs, their vision is more limited than ours and they can suffer from a wide variety of eye problems. Among the most notable and common diseases in dogs are cataracts, a condition that occurs due to the opacity of the eye's lens and which, if not treated in time, can lead to blindness.

What are cataracts in dogs?

Cataracts are an eye condition that affects the lens of the eye, a normally clear structure that allows light to pass through and focuses images on the retina. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it limits the amount of light that reaches the retina, causing vision problems. In severe cases, cataracts can cause total blindness.

In dogs, cataracts can be hereditary or appear over the years, especially in genetically predisposed breeds. They can also be caused by trauma or diseases such as diabetes, where high blood glucose levels damage the lens.

Causes of cataracts in dogs

Cataracts can occur for a variety of reasons, some of the most common include:

• Genetic heritage: Some dog breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, Poodle and Labrador, have a genetic predisposition to developing cataracts at an early age.
• Age: In older dogs, aging of the lens is one of the main causes of cataracts. It is known as senile cataract and usually appears from 8 years of age onwards.
• Metabolic diseasesDiabetes is one of the main non-genetic causes of cataracts, since high glucose levels alter the osmotic balance of the lens.
• Eye trauma: Blows or injuries to the eyes can also cause the appearance of cataracts.
• Prolonged exposure to toxins: Some medications or environmental toxins can damage the lens over time.

Breeds predisposed to developing cataracts

• Cocker spaniel
• Caniche
• Siberian Husky
• Schnauzer
• Bichon Frize
• Fox terrier
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador
• Old English Sheepdog
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzu
• Lhasa apso

Symptoms of cataracts in dogs

Cataracts in dogs usually progress gradually, so the first signs may go unnoticed. However, there are certain symptoms that can alert you to the problem:

• Opacity in the pupil: One of the most visible signs is the change in the color of the pupil, which may take on a whitish or even bluish color.
• Disorientation: The dog begins to show orientation problems, bumping into objects or having difficulty moving in familiar spaces.
• Difficulty seeing in dark places:The first symptoms usually appear in low light conditions, as the dog may have trouble seeing well in the dark.
• Insecurity when moving: Dogs with cataracts tend to be more cautious when walking, especially on stairs or uneven surfaces.

How cataracts are diagnosed in dogs

Cataracts should be diagnosed through a thorough veterinary examination. A veterinarian who specializes in ophthalmology will assess the condition and severity of the cataract through a detailed eye examination. Some diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Ophthalmoscopy: A fundamental tool for checking the state of the lens and ruling out other associated eye diseases.
• Biomicroscopy: It is used to evaluate new abnormalities in the cornea and intraocular fluid.
• Electroretinography: Allows detection of problems in the retina that may complicate treatment.
• eye ultrasound: Allows the internal structure of the eye to be viewed and any other conditions to be identified.

Treatment for cataracts in dogs

The treatment of cataracts depends on the stage of development and possible complications. Today, the only definitive solution for cataracts is surgery. This procedure involves replacing the affected lens with an artificial one using a technique called phacoemulsification.

Before the operation:The veterinarian will perform a series of tests to ensure that the dog does not have additional eye complications, such as glaucoma or retinal problems, that could be obstacles to surgery.

Surgery: During the procedure, the damaged crystalline lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The operation is quick, lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes per eye, and is performed under general anesthesia.

Postoperative: After surgery, the dog must wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent injury or rubbing of the eyes, as well as undergo treatment with eye drops and antibiotics. Recovery is usually good, and in many cases, dogs can regain partial or complete vision within a matter of weeks.

Prevention and care for dogs with cataracts

Unfortunately, there are no foolproof preventative methods to avoid cataracts in dogs, especially when the cause is genetic or due to aging. However, there are some recommendations that can help reduce the risk:

• proper nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients can help maintain good eye health.
• Control of metabolic diseases: If the dog suffers from diabetes, it is vital to strictly control it to prevent cataracts from progressing rapidly.
• Regular veterinary check-ups: Regular eye check-ups are essential to detect cataracts at an early stage and act quickly.

In cases where surgery is not an option, either due to the dog's health problems or because the cataracts are in an advanced state and have generated complications, there are some care measures that can help improve the animal's quality of life:

• Keeping the environment safe: Minimize changes in the distribution of furniture and objects in the home to avoid accidents.
• Sensory clues: Use different smells or textures so that the dog can better orient itself inside the house.
• Auditory and olfactory stimulation: Dogs with cataracts can compensate for vision loss by using their keen sense of smell and hearing.

Although cataracts in dogs can be a worrying condition, with proper treatment many dogs manage to regain partial or full vision. In any case, it is important to be alert to the first signs of this disease and consult a veterinarian, since early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve the prognosis.