Just like humans, dog's have a lens inside of each eye, similar to a camera lens, that helps with focusing. If the lens looks cloudy, cataracts is a possible diagnosis. A cataract is murkiness or opacity that appears on a lens. It causes impaired vision and blindness if not treated. If a dog develops cataracts, a cloudy lens cannot be reversed. The lens must be removed during canine cataract surgery.
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Process
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A veterinarian will determine if a dog with cataracts is a candidate for surgery by performing a series of tests. If the dog passes the tests, surgery is scheduled. The dog's eyes are medicated for three days immediately preceding the day of surgery. Intense treatment is administered to the eyes a few hours before surgery. If there are no complications after the surgery, the dog is released to go home.
Procedure
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Canine cataract surgery is an extremely delicate procedure because the slightest damage to eye structures can be disastrous. Accordingly, the surgery is done under general anesthesia using a high-magnification microscope. The surgeon makes a small incision and creates a hole in the bag that hold the lens. He uses a special probe to dissolve the cataract and remove it. After he removes the cloudy lens, he inserts an artificial replacement lens. If both eyes have cataracts, they are corrected at the same time.
Insurance Coverage
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Canine cataract surgery is costly because it requires specialized training and equipment. When humans undergo the surgery, insurance usually covers the cost. In contrast, most pet health insurance does not cover cataract surgery since it is considered a genetic, pre-existing condition. Consequently, pet owners usually pay 100 percent of the cost for the surgery. If you have pet health insurance, check with your provider in regard to coverage.
Post Operation
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In the first weeks after surgery, sometimes within 24 hours, a dog's vision usually improves. Most dogs do not show signs of pain after surgery. Oral medication and eye drops are required for the first few weeks and are continued in decreased intervals for several months. A dog must wear a cone-shaped collar for two weeks post surgery to prevent it from scratching his eyes. The vet will schedule follow-up visits in weekly intervals to assess how well the dog is healing.
Risks
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Although canine cataract surgery is generally effective, there are risks. According to Dr. Terri L. McCalla's website, Animal Eye Care, 90 to 95 percent of dogs show signs of vision improvement after surgery, but 5 to 10 percent of dogs do not completely recover vision because of complications. Some dogs may actually become permanently blind in the surgically treated eye. Other post surgery risk factors include, the development of scar tissue, the development of glaucoma, the onset of intraocular infection and the possibility of retinal detachment.
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