Cataract in Dogs: Guide to Vision Loss & Treatment

Cataracts in dogs either juvenile or senile typically progress through different stages, each having a variable progression time and varying impact on vision. Understanding these stages of development can help you monitor the condition of your dog’s eyes and seek timely intervention.

1. Incipient Stage:

This is the earliest stage of cataract development. At this point, the cataractous changes are limited to only a small portion of the lens or periphery. At this stage, there is minimal to no impact on vision in all conditions. It can be challenging to detect without a thorough ophthalmic examination, subtle cloudiness in the lens can be observed with diagnostic tools.

2. Immature Stage

As the cataract progresses, it begins to cover a larger portion of the lens. At this stage your pet may start showing signs of vision impairment or partial blindness, particularly in low light or unfamiliar settings. At this stage, the cataract is noticeable as a cloudy or bluish film in the affected eye(s).

3. Mature Stage:

In the mature stage, the entire lens becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to significant vision loss. This stage is easier to detect even with naked eyes or without tools, as your dog’s eye will appear completely cloudy or white. Vision is heavily compromised (blindness), and the dog may struggle with navigating even familiar environments.

4. Hypermature Stage:

This is the most advanced stage, where the cataract begins to shrink, and the lens may wrinkle. At this stage, complications such as inflammation, retinal detachment, or glaucoma can arise, causing additional discomfort and pain. 

Complete blindness, along with potential pain due to secondary complications can be observed at this stage. A partial restoration of vision can be noticed in the case of Y-suture formation on cataractous lens. 

Common Dog Breeds Prone to Cataracts

While cataracts can affect any dog, some breeds are genetically predisposed to developing this condition, often at a younger age (juvenile cataract). Knowing if your dog is at higher risk can help you stay vigilant and catch any early signs of cataract formation. Breeds that are commonly affected include:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Poodles (Standard and Miniature)
• Siberian Huskies
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Miniature Schnauzers
• Bichon Frises

These breeds are more likely to develop inherited cataracts, meaning they could experience cataracts earlier in life compared to other breeds, where the condition is more commonly age-related. If these breeds suffer from conditions like diabetes likelihood of rapid development of cataracts is more. 

Steps to help you take care of your dog with Cataract

At Zigly, we understand that cataracts are distressing problems caused by loss of vision. That’s why our team of experienced veterinarians is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for dogs with cataracts. Here's how you can take care of and help your pet have a long healthy life: 

Early Detection and Diagnosis

If you suspect that your dog has early signs of cataracts, take them to your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist. At Zigly, our veterinarians are skilled in the diagnosis of the early signs of cataracts during routine eye exams. We use advanced diagnostic tools like ophthalmoscopes, slit lamps, and tonometry to assess the extent of the cataract and check for any underlying conditions, such as glaucoma or eye inflammation.

Tailored Treatment Plans

Based on the diagnosis, we will create a personalized treatment plan for your dog. For cataracts caught in the early stages, we might recommend regular monitoring, medication to manage inflammation, or antioxidant supplements to slow progression.

Cataract Surgery

In case your dog has hyper mature or mature cataract and other examination findings are normal then   phacoemulsification, MSICS (manual small incision cataract surgery) or ECC (Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction) can be one of the options. Be informed that these are  surgeries where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) depending on the condition of eye. The surgery is minimally invasive and has a high success rate.

Post-Surgical Care

After surgery, ensure you get detailed instructions from your vet on how to care for your dog at home. This includes administering eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and ensuring your dog’s comfort during recovery. You should closely monitor post-operative healing to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet’s vision.

Support for Underlying Conditions

If your dog’s cataracts are linked to a condition like diabetes, Zigly vets will work with you to manage the underlying disease, helping prevent further complications. We also offer nutritional guidance and holistic support to keep your dog’s eyes and overall health in top shape.

Ongoing Eye Health Monitoring

At Zigly, we believe in the importance of preventive care. Our veterinarians offer regular eye health checkups, especially for breeds prone to cataracts. With our continuous monitoring and support, we aim to detect eye issues early and prevent them from progressing to more severe stages.

Why to Choose Zigly?

Zigly is committed to offering the highest level of veterinary care with a focus on both advanced treatments and compassionate preventive care. If your dog is showing early signs of cataracts or vision impairment, you can trust our team to provide the expert preventive care your dog deserves. Together, we can protect your pet's vision and enhance their quality of life.