PET HEALTH

Cataracts in Dogs

Three Minutes Apr 13, 2022

What are Cataracts?

Dogs with cataracts will show opacity in the lens of the eye. Cataracts often result in your dog experiencing blurry vision. Smaller cataracts will not often result in severe vision loss; however, as the cataracts become thicker, your dog may become completely blind in one or both eyes. You may or may not notice cataracts immediately; however, the moment you begin to notice them you should contact your veterinarian.

Breeds at the Highest Risk of Developing Cataracts

Dogs of all breeds, genders and ages may develop cataracts; however, this condition is most commonly found in the following breeds:

Symptoms

Symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Cloudy eyes
  • Apparent blurry vision
  • Bluish-gray eyes

If your dog has a diabetes-related cataract, other symptoms may also appear including:

  • Weight loss
  • Increased urination
  • Increased thirst

Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts may be caused by a number of factors including:

  • Age
  • Diabetes
  • Disease
  • Trauma
  • Electric shock
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Hypocalcemia

Genetics may often be the common cause of cataracts, though. Cataracts may even be present at birth. Dogs between one and three years of age are most commonly affected.

How To Treat Cataracts In Dogs

Cataracts are treated via surgery. If surgery is recommended by your veterinarian, ensure you have the surgery performed as soon as possible. Cataracts are known as a progressive condition and symptoms worsen as time progresses.

In the surgical procedure, a veterinary ophthalmologist will surgically remove the lens of the eye and replace it with a plastic lens. Cataract surgery is highly successful if your dog is determined to be a good candidate. Following surgery, your dog will be required to wear a protective collar until the eye heals. Eye drops several times per day for several weeks is also necessary.

Consider Investing in Dog Insurance  

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

 1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.