In dogs, cataracts are more of a nuisance rather than a harmful disease. Unfortunately, there are many similarities between cataracts and other canine eye issues. It is not uncommon for owners to dismiss changes in their dog's vision as cataracts, resulting in a misdiagnosis for the dog. Therefore, owners who suspect their dog may have cataracts should see a veterinarian for proper diagnosis.
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Identification: Cataracts
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Cataracts are common in canine companions and are the result of a literal breakdown of the lenses of one or both eyes. This breakdown process produces a blue or gray haze or cloudy appearance to the affected eyes.
Similar in Appearance: Lenticular Sclerosis
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Lenticular sclerosis, also known as nuclear sclerosis, is a condition that can be mistaken for cataracts. This condition occurs when the lens of the eye becomes hardened with age. This hardening can also produce a hazy, blue-gray hue within the eye, thus making it difficult for the owner to differentiate between cataracts and lenticular sclerosis. However, unlike cataracts, lenticular sclerosis is a normal part of aging that occurs in the majority of the canine population.
Causes
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The major difference between cataracts and lenticular sclerosis is simple: lenticular sclerosis is a normal part of aging. Cataracts, however, can be congenital―meaning they are present at birth, perhaps due to an inherited defect―or they can be senile cataracts, meaning they developed during old age. However, they can also occur at any point during the dog's life either because of trauma or even various diseases, such as canine diabetes.
Diagnosis
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Even a well-trained veterinarian may not be able to accurately diagnose canine cataracts or nuclear sclerosis with only a physical examination. To differentiate between cataracts and nuclear sclerosis, the veterinarian will need to dilate the pupil. Some veterinarians may even be able to tell the difference between the two conditions based on the way the light reflects off the eye. Light reflected in an eye with a cataract will be similar in appearance to crushed ice; whereas light reflected in a sclerotic eye will have a pearly, though still smooth and even appearance.
Treatment
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In dogs, nuclear sclerosis does not require any treatment as it is not a disease. However, owners of dogs that have been diagnosed with cataracts may choose to have surgical removal of the cataracts. Unfortunately, canine cataract surgery can be costly. However, cataracts are not considered to be a life-threatening disease and therefore the owner can opt out of surgery if it is too costly. Furthermore, many dogs will adjust well to the vision loss; so it is not regarded as inhumane to the dog.
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