Causes of Canine Cataracts: Understanding the Underlyin

Common Causes of Cataracts in Dogs

1. Senile Cataracts: Dogs enter their senior years around the age of 8, when their body functions begin to decline. This includes the deterioration of their eye organs, leading to reduced nutrient metabolism and crystalline tissue changes. These factors, along with others, can cause the lens to become cloudy.

2. Diabetic Cataracts: Many pet owners mistakenly believe that a slightly overweight dog is cute. However, excessive nutrition can lead to obesity, which reduces insulin secretion and increases the risk of diabetes. Cataracts are a common complication of diabetes, making obesity a common cause of cataracts in dogs. It's important for pet owners to control their dog's weight to prevent obesity. While a slightly chubby dog may be adorable, a dog's health is of utmost importance.

3. Congenital Cataracts: Some dogs are born with cataracts, such as Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Fox Terriers, Boston Terriers, Golden Retrievers, English Sheepdogs, and Sled Dogs. However, as these dogs grow, their cataracts may gradually improve as the crystalline lens develops.

4. Traumatic Cataracts: Traumatic cataracts occur when a dog's lens capsule is damaged due to an injury, causing the crystalline cortex to become cloudy. While the incidence of traumatic cataracts is relatively low, pet owners should take precautions to prevent injuries.

Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs

Unless it's a congenital cataract, it can be difficult for owners to notice when a dog first develops cataracts. By the time the lens becomes significantly cloudy, the dog's condition is often quite severe. Dogs with cataracts may experience a decline in vision, leading to collisions while walking. However, dogs rely more on their sense of smell and hearing than on vision for navigation, making it hard for owners to detect even slight vision changes.

How to Treat Cataracts in Dogs

Currently, cataracts in dogs can only be treated surgically. There are no other effective methods, although some eye drops can help prevent cataracts. The surgery involves phacoemulsification, where ultrasound energy is used to break up and remove the cloudy lens, followed by the implantation of an artificial lens. The surgical process for dogs is similar to that for humans, but the dog must be anesthetized first. Since the dog's eye is not suitable for surgery after anesthesia, a respirator is used to adjust the position.

After surgery, dogs need regular followup appointments at the vet, as they are strong and may not show discomfort. If complications arise and are not promptly treated, they can worsen. Therefore, owners must strictly follow the doctor's instructions and schedule regular checkups after surgery.

The surgery for cataracts in dogs is a wellestablished technique, but it is expensive. It is recommended that pet owners schedule regular health checkups for their dogs, especially senior dogs, and visit the vet every six months to detect and treat any issues early.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of cataracts in dogs is crucial. Pet owners should take preventive measures, such as controlling their dog's weight, to avoid cataracts.