Cataracts can occur in dogs of any age and may affect one or both eyes. However, cataracts should not be confused with another eye condition known as nuclear sclerosis. In nuclear sclerosis, the lens becomes gray with old age, and unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis does not affect vision.
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Causes
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For most dogs, cataracts are an inherited eye issue. However, cataracts can also occur due to diabetes, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, eye diseases―such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)―trauma to the eye or age.
Identification
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Cataracts occur when the eye lens literally begins to break down or deteriorate. This results in a lens that is white or has the appearance of crushed ice.
Cataract Formation
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In a healthy eye, the lens is constantly being flushed out with a sodium/water solution. When cataracts occur, the lens is no longer being flushed thoroughly, resulting in a buildup of sodium and protein.
Treatment
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The main option for canines with cataracts is surgical removal of the affected lens. Nutritional supplements can also be used to improve the quality of the lens, but this is not as effective as surgical removal.
Candidates
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To be eligible for surgery, the affected dog must be in an overall good state of health. Diabetic dogs may be eligible as long as their diabetes has been properly managed. Aggressive dogs or dogs in poor health are generally not considered for cataract surgery.
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