The first step toward diagnosing canine cataracts is recognizing the symptoms. Can Dogs with Cataracts Still See? The most common symptoms of cataracts in dogs are the following: Excessive tearing; Secretion in the eye area. What are the symptoms of cataracts? Supports joint, digestive, heart, kidney & immune health while maintaining a luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs, Fight effects of aging in Adult 7+ Small & Mini dogs, Cataracts in Dogs: Symptoms, Appearance & Treatment | Hill's Pet, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Helping a New Dog's Anxiety After Coming Home, Hill's® Science Diet® Adult 11+ Small Paws™ dog food, Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Healthy Mobility™ Small Bites dog food, Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Healthy Mobility® Large Breed dog food, Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food. But the most common cause for cataracts is genetic, as it seems to continue from the previous generation to the next. 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. If your dog’s eyes look cloudy or bluish-gray, you should take him to the vet for an exam. Cataract surgery generally has a good success rate, but your veterinarian will need to determine whether your dog is a good surgical candidate. This is a normal aging change called nuclear or lenticular sclerosis, and it doesn't affect vision. Early stage cataracts often don't necessitate treatment, as the dog's vision may not be affected. Dogs with diabetes are also especially prone. Most of the time, yes, dogs with cataracts can still see. As the disease progresses, the eye becomes totally opaque, resulting in blindness. In fact, more than 100 dog breeds are known to have some incidence of hereditary cataracts. Luckily with cataracts - unless they progress and become larger - your dog will not feel its effects. In a healthy eye, the lens appears clear. The most common signs are: A bluish, gray, or white layer in the eye A sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture Cataracts may be present at birth or develop when a dog is very young-between one and three years of age. *Disclaimer: The information and suggestions in this article are not meant to replace the advice of vets. However, any cloudiness at all in your pet’s eye is a sign for you to take him to the vet. Glaucoma, cataracts and nuclear sclerosis are conditions that affect the eyes. Cataracts may also begin to dissolve after some time, causing deep, painful inflammation in the eye. Nuclear sclerosis is a common condition in older dogs where the eyes may appear to have a blue-gray cloudiness over the pupils. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. How do you prevent cataracts in dogs? To complicate things, not all cases of eye cloudiness are due to cataracts in dogs. 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… Early removal in dogs with no co-existing eye issues ensures excellent visual acuity return in over 90% of the cases. About our Ads. Causes of cataracts in dogs. As lens changes progress, however, the dog's vision will continue to decline. 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 affected eye can even take on an icy appearance. This is due to a normal thickening of your dog’s lens and it’s a natural part of aging. Mature cataracts in both eyes result in complete blindness. With such suspicions, it is better to contact a specialist for qualified advice. You should then consult with a veterinary ophthalmologist to determine the extent of the cataract and what steps to take to manage the problem. That should be a clear sign that it is time to visit the vet. Though cataracts are often considered to be a characteristic of senior pets, dogs can develop cataracts at any age. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect she’s having trouble seeing. 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. In most cases cataracts are hereditary, over one hundred different dog breeds are at risk for hereditary cataracts. Redness and irritation are other symptoms of cataracts, but they are also symptoms of other conditions as well. Some breeds have an incidence of genetic cataracts as high as 10%. 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. With a normal healthy … Senile cataracts affect dogs who are over 6 years old. The most visible symptom of cataract in dogs are a cloudy appearance to the eyes. Dr. Laci Schaible is a pioneer in the field of veterinary telemedicine. A high-incidence of cataracts is also often attributed to diabetes. A veterinary ophthalmologist will surgically remove the lens, replacing it with a plastic or acrylic lens. There is a higher incidence of dog cataracts in 60 dog breeds with a 15% higher incidence in mixed breeds over age 7. This way, you can help keep your dog's eyes healthy and their vision clear long into their golden years. Some dogs may experience dizziness, which can manifest in vomiting or whining. Untreated cataracts can worsen and lead to painful ocular inflammation, glaucoma and/or permanent blindness. 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. What are the Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs? It is important to understand the difference between the cloudiness or graying of the eye because of old age and cataracts. Cataracts result in the clouding or darkening of the lens in an eye. The cataracts begin at the center of the lens and gradually spread out toward the periphery. 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 Cataracts can develop from disease, old age and trauma to the eye, but inherited conditions are the most common cause. Cataracts caused by UV light exposure are common in humans, but less likely to impact a dog’s vision. She lives in Florida with her son, the world's largest standard poodle, and her two toilet-trained cats. Vision is typically impaired at this point, but the dog may be able to compensate surprisingly well. There are different stages of cataracts in dogs. Cataracts can cause lens shifting or glaucoma, both of which require intervention. A high-incidence of cataracts is also often attributed to diabetes. Cataracts are one of the most common eye problems in dogs. This can lead to glaucoma, which can cause permanent blindness. This kind of haziness is not the same as cataracts and it doesn’t affect your dog’s … Cataracts may be present at birth or develop when a dog is very young-between one and three years of age. 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. Cataracts may be passed down genetically, meaning any dog is at risk of the disease. Intolerance to light. After surgery, your pet will have to wear a protective (Elizabethan) collar until his eye heals. Please consult a vet on your dog’s condition for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Cataracts impair vision by clouding the lens in the dog’s eye, making it murky, grey/blue and clouded. In more advanced cases the following symptoms will be present: Blindness: This will manifest in your dog walking into furniture, having … Learn about the most common health problems in senior dogs, such as hearing & vision loss, joint problems and dementia, and treatment options. How Can I Care for My Pet After Cataract Surgery? Cataracts occur not only in older adults, but in younger people, too. You’ll need to keep him relaxed in a calm environment, and he’ll also require eye drops several times a day for a few weeks. Making the Diagnosis. If cataracts are left untreated, the dog can become permanently blind. Your dog may appear to have a bluish-white, milky film over one or both eyes. Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs. Additionally, dogs with cataracts may also rub or scratch their eyes frequently. While this isn't an option if you choose to adopt your newest canine family member, have your veterinarian investigate at the first sign of any eye abnormalities or vision trouble. Learn the most common reasons your dog might be losing hair, including how to spot differences between ordinary shedding and a parasitic problem. Trauma to the eye and chronic eye disease or infection may also lead to the development of cataracts. 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. Cataracts should not be mistaken with “lenticular sclerosis”, which is a normal change in the lens due to older age in dogs. What should you expect if your pet develops cataracts? The surgery is fast and consists of a surgeon making a tiny incision through which the affected lens can be removed. Dogs’ eyes, like human eyes, are susceptible to other conditions, whose symptoms can be mistaken for cataracts. Dog cataracts can be caused by old age, eye trauma, and diabetes. 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. Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs. Meanwhile, if your dog has diabetes mellitus-related cataract, you may also observe increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, and weight loss in your … 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. How Can I … If you think your dog has cataracts… Take your dog to the vet if his eyes look cloudy or bluish-gray. In some cases, you may see a white spot or streak. Before this stage, cataracts in dogs are referred to as incipient, meaning they are ever so slight and likely to be missed by the naked nonprofessional eye. Sometimes, the eye(s) may bulge or look reddened or inflamed. Your veterinarian will be able to distinguish between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts — which, despite their similar appearances, are distinct. Lastly, if you notice excessive blinking or discharge from the eye, your dog may have cataracts. When light enters the eye, the lens focuses the light on the back of the retina. Inside the eye is a structure called the lens. Vision loss due to cataracts can often be restored through surgery. Most dogs regain vision and are back up and playing in a matter of days. If surgery isn't an option, it's important to control the disease process in the eye resulting from the cataract. Incidence of Cataracts in Different Dog Breeds. 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. In some cases, you may see a white spot or streak. The signs of cataracts developing are not always as obvious as you might expect, especially if they develop slowly, over a long period. She combines her love of veterinary medicine and technology at rhapsody.vet. The easiest way to spot cataracts is if your dog’s eyes become blurry, cloudy, or have a bluish-grey appearance. When an animal is born with this condition, it's called congenital cataracts. If a cataract progresses and covers the rest of the healthy lens, it's called a mature cataract. If one or both of your dog's eyes look cloudy, it's possible that your dog has cataracts. Symptoms typically relate to the degree of vision impairment. 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. What Are Symptoms Of Cataracts In Dogs? This condition, called nuclear sclerosis, doesn’t put a dog’s vision in as much danger as cataracts might, and treatment isn’t usually recommended. If you notice changes in your dog’s eye or … Scientists have identified gene mutations in several dog breeds that increase the risk of cataracts. Other pets will increase their intake of water and urinate more frequently if diabetes is an underlying cause. The signs of cataracts in dogs are very obvious and visible. The affected eye can even take on an icy appearance. All rights reserved. If the cataract is small, it won’t likely disturb the dog’s vision too much, but cataracts must be monitored because the thicker and denser they become, the more likely it is they will lead to blindness. Cataracts can cause significant changes in vision. At its mature stage, a cataract causes the whole lens to become uniformly opaque. In diabetic dogs, early signs of cataracts include excessive urination (polyuria) or abnormal thirst (polydipsia). 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. 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. Pet parents may first notice the cataract when it's classified as immature, meaning that it covers a noticeable portion of the lens — anywhere from less than half of the lens to nearly all of it. Dogs with cataracts sometimes pace the floor or appear restless. Be aware of any conditions your dog has that may cause cataracts, such as diabetes or eye trauma. However, it's difficult to determine whether a cataract will progress and, if so, to what extent. Dr. Gwen Sila, a veterinary opthamologist for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Michigan, categorizes canine cataracts in three ways. A cataract is an opacity in the lens of a dog’s eye, causing him to have blurry vision. Cataracts in dogs are usually easy to detect. Cookie Consent Tool, Dominican Republic - República Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – (English). Anxiety can be a problem for dogs, especially ones new to your family. Unfortunately, there's no way to prevent cataracts that have a hereditary component. Other symptoms of cataracts in dogs include: Cloudiness on the eye, which may appear whitish, blue, or grey In some cases, dogs with cataracts are functionally blind, in fact. According to the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, diabetes mellitus (aka sugar diabetes) is the most common disease associated with cataracts.