They may be present at birth (congenital) or develop when the dog is still a puppy (juvenile cataracts). Along with this healthy eating regimen comes daily walks and runs in the park. There are certain breeds of dog such as the Bichon Frise, that are more likely to develop cataracts due to genetics. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent your dog's hereditary conditions, but with proper diet and avoidance of toxins, you may be able to slow the formation of cataracts. Cataracts can be the result of several different things such as genetics, diabetes mellitus, congenital conditions, age, trauma, and poor nutrition, and may even be a side effect of another disease such as glaucoma. The problem with this is that the surgery can be quite expensive and most people do not have health insurance for their dogs. Like the lens of a camera, Fife says, the lens of the eye focuses light and should be crystal clear. You don’t have to give up that glass of wine with dinner. If you’re getting a new puppy, and the breed commonly suffers from hereditary cataracts, it’s a good idea to only buy from a reputable breeder where both parents have been DNA tested for hereditary cataracts. Cataracts may be present at birth or develop when a dog is very young-between one and three years of age. Dogs that develop cataracts … Primary Cataracts . Since diabetes is a primary cause of cataracts, preventing it can go a long way to preventing cataracts in your dog. Add more vegetables to your pooch's diet, including green and yellow bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and various other yellow or green veggies that are known to be high in antioxidants. If there is one thing we can all learn from preventing cataracts in dogs, it is that a good healthy diet is essential. Glaucoma occurs when protein from the cataract is released into the eye. Advocates of natural feeding plans claim that dogs raised on well-balanced raw food rarely develop retinal degeneration or PRA. Watching for Injuries. Cataracts may develop relatively early in life in some breeds; in others the first signs are detected when the dog is older and progression is so slow that dogs still have reasonable sight well into old age. Many dogs won’t notice these, and they’ll rarely undergo surgery to remove the cataract at this stage. If there is one thing we can all learn from preventing cataracts in dogs, it is that a good healthy diet is essential. Vegetables and Greens . While your pup needs certain vaccinations as protection from a number of canine diseases, there is such a thing as over-vaccination. With this in mind, make sure your dog gets a diet that is low in carbs and as well, give them the opportunity for plenty of exercise. Immediately after cataract surgery, your vet will likely start your dog on a routine of anti-inflammatory cataract eye drops. How to Prevent Cataracts in Dogs. Cataracts in dogs can be present from birth or form when they are relatively young (1-3 years old). Most of the time, she adds, cataracts in dogs will occur over time, but with diabetic cataracts, you may see your dog start bumping into things overnight. Hereditary cataracts, Fife says, tend to form in dogs at a young age—between 1 and 5 years old. Remember, there is no cure for cataracts other than replacing your dog's lenses with artificial ones in an expensive surgical procedure. You can also help prevent cataracts in dogs by blocking harmful UV rays. The following have been recommended for the prevention of canine cataracts: Diabetes in dogs is much like the same disease in humans in that it can be hereditary, but more likely it is the result of a poor diet. Some may develop this disastrous eye condition over the years, while others can go from clear eyes to completely clouded eyes in a matter of weeks. Gila says a dog might experience disorientation or confusion if a cataract develops quickly, but generally speaking, the cataract itself does not hurt. However, there are many things we can do as dog owners to help prevent secondary cataracts. A complete blood count to rule out … It’s because they always ensure that their litter is … For that reason, Gila recommends that pet owners looking to treat immature cataracts in dogs start their pet on a regimen of anti-inflammatory dog cataract eye drops. Even if you only think you are seeing signs of cloudiness in your four-legged friend's eyes, you need to take them to see the vet for a proper examination. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, resulting in blurry vision. Prevention. Finally, the best way to prevent the formation of damaging cataracts is to have your dog's eyes checked … Diabetes in dogs can cause cataracts to develop, says Fife. There are some ways to try to prevent the development of cataracts in dogs. Cataracts, therefore, are something dog owners should be able to spot and understand. But, unfortunately, in some breeds, the only thing you can do is to have intraocular lens replacement done once cataracts begin to form. There are few types of cataracts in dogs. Mature and even some immature cataracts are easy to spot due to their cloudy nature, Gila says. Cataracts in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know, Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often, How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Dog Ear Infections. Sila says dogs with mature cataracts can only see changes in light. “A cataract is an opacity, or imperfection, in the lens of the eye,” says Dr. Matthew Fife, owner of the Veterinary Ophthalmology Center in Orlando, Florida. The most common treatment is surgically removing the affected lens and replacing it with an artificial one. There are a number of supplements on the market but talk to your vet first to make sure you are using ones that are safe for your dog. Even dogs that already have cataracts can benefit from antioxidants, which will prevent the cataracts from getting worse. That will help your pet enjoy … “If your dog has difficulty catching food, if he’s sniffing for treats rather than seeing them, or if he’s not able to fetch or retrieve as well as usual, he might have cataracts,” she says. Which, not too surprisingly, is the same thing many doctors tell their human patients. Dry Eye in Dogs. Chances are good this means your poor pup has the beginnings of cataracts. Dr. Gwen Sila, a veterinary opthamologist for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Michigan, categorizes canine cataracts in three ways. Not only will this help to prevent cataracts, but it will also help to reduce the risk of cancer and many other illnesses. In the case of cataracts, if you don't take the right steps to prevent them from forming in the first place--or seek treatment once you discover them--your dog will eventually lose their sight, as light will no longer be able to pass through the lens. Most of the time, yes, dogs with cataracts can still see. Failure to do so can result in a ruptured lens capsule, and once it has ruptured it may be too late for the vet to save the eye. Cataracts that happen as the result of UV light usually develop later in a dog’s life. Cataracts are considered a progressive disease, as they are only going to get worse with time unless they are treated. “Cataracts occur when the cells or protein fibers are damaged.”. Diet plays a major role in preventing many illnesses, diseases, and conditions both in humans and in dogs. Breeds prone to cataracts. Consult with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to find out what is appropriate for your dog. Not only is glaucoma … While Fife says UV light can contribute to cataracts in dogs, it’s not the most common cause. This includes making sure your dog has plenty of shade while outdoors, says Gila. Cataracts can develop as a result of diabetes, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is essential. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Be sure to talk to your dog's vet about any changes you plan to make in your dog's diet or vaccination regimen. Smaller cataracts in dogs have less impact on vision than larger ones, but still must be regularly monitored to prevent … The most obvious effect of prevention is a happier, healthier dog who should enjoy many years of good eyesight without the need for any type of intraocular lens replacement surgery. The most effective way to prevent … Preventing cataracts in dogs may or may not be possible depending on the cause. … When your dog is healthy, it means less stress and worry for the whole family, which is definitely healthier for you as well. The unique formulation created by ‘Cataracts Dissolved EBEP eye drops’ has been tested and proven to treat eye disorders in a safe, painless, stress free alternative to cataract surgery for dogs. “Hereditary cataracts occur quite commonly in certain purebred dogs,” Fife says. A happy healthy dog typically means far fewer trips to the vet and spending less money on vet bills. Adding more vegetables and greens to your dog's diet … … How to Prevent and Treat Cataracts in Dogs 1. Another very important recommendation is that if your diabetic dog is started on a special canine antioxidant vision supplement called Ocu-GLO™ , BEFORE they develop cataracts, blindness can be … Unfortunately, there is no true prevention of primary cataracts in dogs. Recent studies show that proper nutrition can lead to delay, and even prevention of cataract formation in your puppy pal. Taking your dog to yearly routine visits to have their eyes checked … “High blood sugar levels alter the metabolism of the cells in the lens and can cause very rapid onset cataracts,” he explains. A cataract is an abnormal cloudiness of the eye, caused by a change in the lens. How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Cataracts. Because so many canine cataracts are hereditary, there’s not much an owner can do to prevent them, but Gila says a high-quality diet with an antioxidant supplement may help. To try to prevent your dog from developing cataracts in their eyes, it is important that you take care of your dog's eye health with certain steps that will help your pet to enjoy a healthy life. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, promote eye health, as well as heart, brain, joint, and skin health, Grzyb says. "Prevention … It is up to you to keep all chemicals, including vaccinations that go into your dog, to a bare minimum. It is up to you to do everything in your power to prevent cataracts in your faithful furry friend or, if necessary, get them the treatment they need at the earliest possible stage. Diet plays a major role in preventing many illnesses, diseases, and conditions both in humans and in dogs. But there is some evidence … Cataracts aren’t reversible, but fortunately, dogs … Some cloudy eyes look like they have actual clouds in the lens, while others might … Talk to your vet about canine cataracts and work with them to protect your pup. A dog’s nose often guides his actions and movements, but his eyes are just as important. This includes making sure your dog has plenty of shade while outdoors, says Gila. “There are some beliefs that certain antioxidant eye drops can slow down the progression of small cataracts just by improving the overall health of the eye,” she says, “but they will not dissolve the cataract.”. After the procedure, the drops will ramp up for about four to six months. “We usually begin to see significant vision deficits with cataracts that cover 75 percent of the lens, but the degree to which it impacts the dog varies.”. They have to find injuries, illness’... 2. Which, not too surprisingly, is the same thing many doctors tell their human patients. The cataract may be the size of a pinpoint, which most dogs (and people) can’t notice, but a cataract may also grow to the size of the entire lens, which can cause blindness. Delaying or preventing diabetic cataracts has been a topic of great veterinary research. A cataract occurs when the lens of your dog's eye starts to become cloudy. I’ve always said that veterinarians have the hardest job. These drops will likely need to be used throughout the dog’s life. That said, inflammation typically accompanies cataracts, which can be painful or at least uncomfortable. The best thing you can do to prevent this type of cataracts in your dog is everything possible to keep them safe at all times. If you see or suspect that your dog has a cataract, consult your vet or a veterinary opthamologist to discuss whether surgery is right for your dog. On the other hand, mature cataracts are those that cover the entire lens. A large percentage of cataracts are connected to dog diabetes. Cataracts that form as a result of diabetes mellitus may be preventable. However, if your dog does suffer an eye injury of any kind, take them in to see the vet as soon as possible for treatment. Cataracts will develop after an injury to the eye or with general infections, so keeping your dog healthy and preventing injuries can also help to prevent cataracts. Below … Cataracts stop light reaching the back of the eye, reduce vision and eventually cause blindness. She recommends that dogs with mature cataracts undergo cataract surgery to remove them. “Incipient cataracts cover less than 15 percent of the surface area of the lens,” she says. It is important that you take care of your dog’s eye health with some methods. How to Prevent Cataracts in Dogs. Vitamins C and E are known to help, but be sure to discuss proper dosages with your vet. Try to Avoid Injury and Sickness. Another cause of cataracts in dogs comes down to genetics. The best thing you can do to minimize the risk of age-related cataracts is to feed your dog a healthy, well-balanced, and nutritious diet. A high-incidence of cataracts is also often attributed to diabetes. The same vitamins, herbs, and supplements that help prevent glaucoma and cataracts can prevent … “The lens is comprised of specialized cells that produce fibers made of protein,” Fife says. Related Posts Some dogs may develop cataracts as the result of their age (typically eight years of age or older). You’ll also likely need to schedule regular vet appointments to recheck your dog’s eye. Not only this, but ensuring your pup eats a healthy diet, will also reduce the risk of many other canine illnesses and diseases such as cancer or diabetes. However, in most cases, the cataracts remain relatively small and have little, if any, effect on their eyesight. Be sure to talk to your dog's vet about any changes you plan to make in your dog's diet or vaccination regimen. Maintaining dog eye health is critical to having a happy and healthy pet. Many different conditions can cause cataracts to develop. Feed them a healthy, balanced diet and supplement as recommended by your vet. Also, walk your dog regularly, this has the added bonus of ensuring both owner and dog get regular exercise. This occurs as the result of a process called opacification. Certain natural antioxidants have even been found to reduce age-related cataracts in older dogs. There is currently no eye drop on the market that will resolve a mature cataract, notes Dr. Katie Grzyb, medical director at One Love Animal Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Although they can’t cure cataracts in dogs, eye drops will help prevent glaucoma. Limit Alcohol. It’s when you get into the incipient cataracts that you need to look for other clues. If you are a prospective dog owner, the most effective way to prevent cataracts in your dog is to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder. Medical research has found that excessive vaccination can lead to toxicosis, which, in turn, has been found to be one of the leading causes of cataracts in dogs. Try a diet that includes ample antioxidants to fight the presence of "free radicals" that can not only lead to cataracts but cancer as well. There are certain instances in which a traumatic injury to the eye, such as a penetration or severe blow to the eye that causes the lens capsule to rupture, can lead to the formation of cataracts. To identify cataracts in dogs, just look for whiteness in the pupils. Blood tests to assess for an underlying cause, which may include: Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver and pancreatic disease and function as well as sugar levels. Prevention of Cataracts. After that period of time, Gila says you’ll still need to give your dog the eye drops, and regular checkups should continue. “Breeds like Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Siberian Huskies, and Yorkshire Terriers, among many others, are affected by hereditary cataracts.”. Cataracts won’t go away on their own, says Gila, they need to be removed surgically. The most common reason cataracts develop in humans is damage from exposure to ultraviolet light. If the condition is hereditary, what can be done to prevent it from being passed on? Often, diabetic cataracts appear very rapidly, with a dog losing her sight within a day or two of having any trouble at all. 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… A much better option would be to find a way to prevent cataracts from occurring in the first place. “When the protein structure in a lens changes, the body sees that as a foreign substance,” Gila says. You should feed your dog a diet that is low in carbohydrates, as an excessive amount of carbs can lead to increased levels of glucose that in turn can lead to diabetes and, in time, cataracts. … “Because we can see things pop back up after surgery, this option requires a lifelong commitment from the owner,” Gila says. Cataracts can develop from disease, old age and trauma to the eye, but inherited conditions are the most common cause. In between these two—from 15 percent all the way to 99 percent—are immature cataracts, which Sila says can be something of a gray area. “This is what causes the inflammation, and down the road, it can also lead to glaucoma, which is very, very painful.”. You can also help prevent cataracts in dogs by blocking harmful UV rays. Although there are several vaccinations you cannot avoid, there are many more that are unnecessary and can be easily avoided. Finally, the best way to prevent the formation of damaging cataracts is to have your dog's eyes checked regularly by the vet. Routine Eye Exams. Unfortunately, all dog breeds are prone to eye problems and cataracts. Learn more about how canine cataracts develop and what you can do to help your dog if he has them. Primary cataracts in dogs are caused by genetics. The same applies if you think your dog is having a hard time seeing or there is a history of cataracts in their family. The last time you looked into your dog's eyes, you noticed a slightly milky color starting to infiltrate them. When a dog has a cataract, it obscures the vision.