Canine cataracts

Your faithful companion is 10 years old. He’s in good shape, but you’ve begun to notice something: a white, gray or bluish cloud in his eyes. What’s going on?

A visit to your veterinarian will likely confirm that your dog has cataracts, a relatively common condition among older dogs.

Cataracts occur when proteins in the lens of the eye clump together and cloud an area of the lens. As a result, the passage of light into the eye becomes obstructed.

Small cataracts likely won’t disturb your dog’s vision too much, but if nothing is done about the issue and the lens becomes entirely opaque, your dog will lose his sight.

Causes
The most common cause of cataracts is aging. However, the genetic background of certain breeds, like poodles and Yorkshire terriers, make them more susceptible to hereditary cataracts. Other possible but less common eye issues in canines include retinal diseases and ocular trauma.

Treatments
There are various methods involving medication and/or surgery to slow the progression of cataracts. However, it’s impossible to stall the lens’ natural aging process and the recommended treatment will depend on the stage of the condition.

If you spot cataracts forming in your dog’s eye, visit your veterinarian right away. The sooner your canine gets diagnosed, the better the prognosis.