What are cataracts

The word cataract literally means "to break down." This disruption refers to disruption of the normal arrangement of the lens fibers or their capsule. This damage results in a loss of transparency, resulting in decreased vision. Cataracts often appear to have a white or broken ice surface and are found in the lens of the eye.

What is nuclear sclerosis?

We often bring old dogs in and out of the clinic and complain about the formation of cataracts in the dogs’ eyes. The vast majority of the time, dogs do not have cataracts, but do have a more common condition called nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal change that occurs in the lenses of older dogs. Nuclear sclerosis appears as a slight graying of the lens. It usually occurs in both eyes at the same time in most dogs over the age of six. Loss of transparency occurs due to compression of the linear fiber in the lens. This condition does not affect the dog’s vision, so treatment is not recommended.

How cataracts form

Although there are several different forms and causes of cataracts, they all develop in similar ways. Regular lenses remain dehydrated. It is composed of 66% water and 33% protein. There is a complex sodium-water pump system in the lens to maintain the water/protein balance. When the biomechanical system in the lens becomes damaged, this pump system begins to fail and additional water flows into the lens. In addition, the insoluble protein content increased. These changes lead to loss of transparency and the formation of cataracts.

Age of onset and causes of cataract

The age at which a dog develops cataract is very important for the classification of cataract. Age of onset is particularly important in determining whether cataracts are the result of genetic characteristics in certain dog breeds.

Congenital Cataracts

These are cataracts that appear at birth. Although cataracts are congenital, they are not necessarily hereditary. Infections or toxins can cause cataracts in unborn puppies. However, primary congenital cataracts, such as those found in Miniature Schnauzers, are inherited.

Developmental (early onset) cataracts

Developmental cataracts are cataracts early in life. Like congenital cataracts, they can be caused by external sources such as trauma, diabetes, infection, or toxicity. Hereditary cataracts at this age are generally more common in several breeds, including Afghan Hounds and Standard Poodles.

Senior (late) cataracts

Cataracts that occur in dogs over six years old are called senile cataracts. They occur less frequently in dogs than in humans. Nuclear sclerosis that does not require treatment is often confused with cataracts at this age.

Hereditary cataract

Heredity of dogsCataracts may occur independently or in association with other eye diseases. Some breeds develop hereditary cataracts and the ages at onset are as follows. If a dog is diagnosed with hereditary cataracts, then the dog should obviously not be used for breeding because of the risk of passing the disease on to the next generation.

Diabetes causes cataracts

Diabetic dogs are most susceptible to cataracts because the concentration of glucose in the lens increases in diabetic dogs. The extra glucose is converted to sorbitol, which causes an increase in water flow into the lens. The increase in water leads to rupture of lens fibers and resultant cataracts. Cataracts in diabetic dogs develop very rapidly if the dog is not supervised. They usually affect both eyes. Monitor the diabetes indicators of diabetic dogs for 3 months. If the condition is well controlled, the lens can be surgically removed.

Trauma causing cataracts

Trauma from car accidents, punctures, penetration by shotguns or other objects can damage the lens and develop cataracts. These types of cataracts usually occur in only one eye and can be treated by surgical removal.

How to treat cataracts

Treatment of cataracts in dogs involves surgical removal of the lens. Currently, there is no better method, and as veterinary surgical skills and equipment increase, surgical procedures to eliminate problem lenses are becoming more common. There are several different techniques used to remove the affected lens, including: removal of the entire lens and surrounding capsule, removal of the capsule surrounding the lens, phacoemulsification of the lens, aspiration of the lens, and lens drying.
All these techniques provide excellent results. In order to be successful, the affected animal must undergo a thorough examination to determine whether he can function normally. Animals that cannot control their diabetic index, are aggressive animals that are difficult to treat on a daily basis, or are in poor or poor health are not good candidates for cataract surgery. If you suspect that your dog is developing cataracts, you should work closely with a veterinary ophthalmologist to implement the best and most effective treatments for your dog.