Cataracts can affect your dog and negatively affect its vision. Cataracts can cause blindness but surgery can help! Today, our Veterinary Referral Associates vets explain cataracts and cataract surgery for dogs.
About Cataracts In Dogs
Just like in humans, dogs can develop cataracts. A cataract is an opacification or a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can cause vision blurred vision that can be compared to looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.
Treatment For Cataracts In Dogs
It is often possible for cataracts in dogs to be surgically removed and replaced with an artificial lens. However, not all dogs with this condition are suitable candidates for dog cataract surgery. If your dog has a pre-existing retinal detachment, retinal degeneration, glaucoma, or severe inflammation of the eyes, cataract surgery may not be an option for your dog.
When it comes to saving your dog's vision, early diagnosis of conditions such as cataracts is important. Regular twice-yearly wellness exams allow your vet to check your dog's eyes for signs of developing cataracts and recommend treatment before they become more serious.
In dogs diagnosed with cataracts that are a good candidate for surgery, the sooner the surgery can be performed, the better their long-term outcome is likely to be.
If your dog isn't suitable for surgery rest assured that, although your dog will remain blind, it can still enjoy a very good quality of life. With a little practice, your dog will soon adapt and be able to navigate their home environment by using their other senses to guide them.
Surgical Process For Cataracts In Dogs
Each veterinary hospital will do things a little differently however, in most cases, you will drop your dog off either the morning of surgery or the night before. Your vet will provide you with detailed instructions regarding feeding and care leading up to surgery day. Be sure to follow your vet's instructions carefully.
Pre-Surgery Testing
- Before the surgery begins your dog will be sedated and an ultrasound will be performed to check for issues such as retinal detachment or rupture (bursting) of the lens. An electroretinogram (ERG) will also be done to confirm that your dog's retina is working properly. If these tests turn up any unexpected issues, unfortunately, your dog may not be suitable for cataract surgery.
Surgical Procedure
- Cataract surgery will be performed under a general anesthetic. A muscle relaxant will also be administered to help your dog's eye sit in the correct position for the operation. Cataracts in dogs are removed using a technique called phacoemulsification. This procedure uses an ultrasonic device to break up and remove the cloudy lens from the dog's eye. This is the same procedure that is used in cataract surgery on people. Once the lens with the cataract has been removed an artificial lens implant (intraocular lens, or IOL) can then be placed in the eye to allow images to be focused clearly onto the retina.
Post-Surgery
- Typically the vet performing your dog's surgery will recommend that your dog stay overnight for monitoring following cataract surgery. Intensive at-home aftercare will be required following surgery, including the use of several types of eye drops, multiple times each day.
Will My Dog Be Able To See After Cataract Surgery?
Many dogs will have some vision restored by the very next day, but typically it will take a few weeks for vision to settle as the eye adjusts to the effects of surgery and the presence of the artificial lens. Provided that the rest of the eye is in good working order, for dogs, the cataract surgery success rate is about 90% at the 1-year mark and 80% 2 years after surgery.
The key to successful long-term outcomes is good post-operative care and regular visits to the veterinarian for eye examinations and monitoring, following surgery and throughout your dog's life.
Risks Of Cataract Surgery In Dogs
All surgical procedures with pets or people come with some level of risk. Complications stemming from cataract surgery in dogs are rare, but some complications seen by vets following cataract surgery are corneal ulcers and pressure elevations within the eye. Taking your dog for a follow-up exam with the veterinary surgeon is essential for helping to prevent issues from developing after the surgery.
Recovery Time For Cataract Surgery In Dogs
The initial healing period following cataract surgery in dogs is approximately 2 weeks. Throughout that period, your dog will need to wear a cone at all times and have their activity restricted to leash walks only. You will also need to administer several medications to your dog during this time, including eye drops and oral medications. Carefully following your vet's instructions is essential for achieving a good outcome for your dog's vision.
Depending on the results of the 2-week follow-up appointment, your dog's medications may be reduced, however, some dogs will need to remain on medication permanently.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.