August 12, 2024, 5:22 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
If your dog runs into objects more frequently, behaves unsafely in unfamiliar areas, or is particularly sensitive to light, these may be signs of impaired vision and cataracts. PETBOOK provides an overview of other symptoms, causes of the disease, and how it can be diagnosed.
The eye disease cataracts leads to an increased clouding of the lens of the eye, causing the dog’s vision to deteriorate considerably. It is one of the most common diseases in dogs and can lead to blindness. Cataracts can be caused by diseases or predispositions.
How do cataracts become noticeable in dogs?
The first signs of impaired vision in dogs often become apparent through changes in behavior. This can include disorientation, especially in difficult lighting conditions or in the dark, resulting in bumping into objects.
At a certain stage, cataracts in dogs can also be seen with the naked eye. The lens of the dog’s eye is a white to bluish color. However, not every discoloration of the lens is a sign of cataracts. Other eye diseases can also lead to different lens discolorations. An examination by a vet is therefore important in order to make the correct diagnosis.
If the lens of the eye has already become cloudy and the dog’s vision is impaired as a result, this can manifest itself in various behavioral changes. Dogs often appear insecure in new or unfamiliar surroundings, exhibit orientation problems, and may react with alarm to unexpected touches because they do not see them coming. Some dogs become less active as a result of this uncertainty and move around more cautiously.1
Causes of cataracts in dogs
Cataracts in dogs can be caused by various triggers. Firstly, a distinction is made between primary cataracts and secondary cataracts. In primary cataracts, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy without any specific cause. This disease is often congenital or occurs as a sign of aging in certain dog breeds. Secondary cataracts, also known as acquired cataracts, can have various triggers. These include eye diseases such as retinal damage, eye injuries, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus.
However, a genetic component can also be responsible for cataracts. In this case, we speak of hereditary cataracts. Commonly affected dog breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Miniature Schnauzers. In these breeds, the disease can occur at a young age and cause the dogs to go blind within a few weeks. However, the genetic defect can also occur in non-purebred dogs.2
Diagnostics: How are cataracts diagnosed?
Even if the clouding of the lens of the eye is already visible, it is not always a cataract. A visit to the vet is therefore essential in order to obtain a clear diagnosis. The earlier cataracts are detected, the sooner they can be treated. Therefore, dog owners should not hesitate to consult a vet at first suspicion.
The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of the dog’s eyes. An extensive examination of the eyes involves a variety of methods, including:
- Examination of the eyes with an ophthalmoscope
- Measurement of the eye pressure
- Examination of the chamber angles
- Measurement of tear production
- Staining of the eye to detect possible injuries to the cornea
- Examination of the retina
- Examination of the areas behind the lens
These examination methods are important in order to be able to make an accurate diagnosis and detect possible eye changes in addition to cataracts.
Possible treatment for cataracts
Cataracts in dogs cannot be treated with medication. The only treatment option is surgery, in which the cloudy part of the lens (or the entire cloudy lens) is replaced with an artificial lens. However, cataracts cannot be operated on every dog. The procedure can only be performed if the retina is intact and not damaged. The veterinarian will decide whether cataracts can be surgically treated after conducting a thorough examination of the affected eye.
After a successful operation, however, the treatment is not yet complete, as the cataracts must then be treated further with tablets and eye drops or ointments. Dog owners can do this themselves. However, regular check-ups with the veterinarian are essential following the surgery.
If surgery is not possible, the dog will inevitably go blind over time due to the cataracts. In such cases, administering eye drops is important to prevent inflammation.
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Are there preventive measures?
As cataracts often occur as a result of age or genetic predisposition, they can hardly be prevented. However, certain measures can be taken to protect the dog’s eyes and prevent the disease from occurring in general. These include a healthy and balanced diet. Sufficient vitamins are important for the health of dogs’ eyes. Diabetes, a trigger for cataracts, can also be prevented with a good diet.
Owners should avoid smoking near dogs, as cigarette smoke is known to be harmful to canine eyes. If you spend a lot of time outdoors with your dog and go hiking, especially in the mountains or snowy areas, you can protect your four-legged friend’s eyes from the intense sunlight with special dog sunglasses.3