Cataracts In Dogs

Cataracts in Dogs

Dogs are man's best friend. Everybody knows that. But just like any man or human beings rather, dogs can also have cataracts. Cataracts in dogs are the most common problems that affect our canine friends. Whatever breed or age dogs may be it is very common among them. Certain types of cataracts in dogs have showed up more commonly on certain breeds.
Literally, the word cataract means “to dash down”. This means the breakdown of the normal arrangements of the eye's capsule or the eye len's fiber. This results in the loss of the transparency of the eyes and the reduction in vision. Cataracts in dogs have a white appearance in the eye lens; sometimes cataracts in dogs resemble crushed ice.
Cataracts in dogs are most common in older dogs. However most people mistook nuclear sclerosis for cataracts it's because nuclear sclerosis appears as a graying of the dog's eye lens. Nuclear sclerosis usually appears on both of the dog's eyes. This transparency loss in the dog's eyes occurs because of the firmness of the linear fibers in the dog's eye lens but it does not affect the dog's vision and treatment is not recommended. Most of the cataracts in dogs are inherited. The cataracts in dogs develops with age (usually after eight years), much like humans or it may develop rapidly or slowly, in one eye or both eyes.
The dog's age is essential in classifying the type of cataract in dogs. The age of the early stage of the cataract is essential in order to determine if the cataract is a result of a hereditary trait in certain breeds. Congenital cataracts in dogs are present at birth. This type of cataract usually occurs in both eyes. Even though most dogs have it when they are born it does not mean this type of cataract is inherited. Toxins or infection is the usual cause while the puppy is still in the utero. However, Miniature Schnauzers who have congenital cataract are inherited.
There is no known method in making the dog's eye lens clear once the lens has developed cataracts. The only known method in treatment treating cataract in dogs is by surgery. The operation procedure and the equipments used are the same as of those used on humans. In order for the surgery to be successful, the patient (dog) must undergo thorough examination in order to determine if the dog is a good surgical candidate.
If you think that your dog has cataract, do not hesitated to bring your dog to your veterinary ophthalmologist for a checkup. Once you have done that, you would be assured that your dog will have the best and most effective treatment. After all, dogs are man's best friend. They deserve the best treatment.