There is a condition called lenticular (or nuclear) sclerosis that is common in older dogs, and it also gives a bluish haze to the lens of the eye. It’s important to note that changes in the appearance of your dog’s eyes don’t always signal a cataract. Your dog’s eyes may have discharge, and the whites of the eyes may appear red. Your pet may have trouble finding the food or water bowl. Your dog may no longer want to jump on furniture or may hesitate to use stairways. Your pet may seem clumsy, bumping into walls or furniture. You may notice the following signs and symptoms:Īs the cataract grows and the lens becomes clouded, the pupils of your dog’s eyes may appear bluish, gray or white. You and your dog may not even notice them at first, but they are fairly easy to pick up once they are more advanced. In many cases, cataracts in your four-legged friend can develop slowly. How can you tell if your dog has cataracts? In fact, around 75% of diabetic dogs will develop cataracts within 6 to 12 months of being diagnosed with diabetes. They can grow quickly and often lead to blindness. Hereditary cataracts can also affect many other breeds, including:Ĭataracts caused by diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) result when high blood sugar levels change the balance of water in the lens. Scientists have discovered mutations in the HSF4 gene that may cause hereditary cataracts in Staffordshire bull terriers, Boston terriers and Australian shepherds. The most common causes of cataracts in dogs are: When cataracts grow large enough to interfere with vision significantly, they are called mature cataracts. This means your dog may be able to see better with one eye, since that cataract may be less advanced than the other. Eventually those protein clumps form a cataract that scatters or blocks the light coming through the lens.Ĭataracts usually develop in both eyes, but not always at the same speed. With age or illness, the proteins start to clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. The lens is composed of water and special transparent proteins. It focuses the light that comes into the eye, producing clear, crisp images on the retina. Think of the lens of the eye like the lens of a camera. The eyes of both have a cornea, pupil, lens and retina, and it is the lens that is vulnerable to cataracts. Are cataracts in dogs like cataracts in humans?Ĭataracts affect both humans and dogs, which is not surprising. But even when surgery is not appropriate, most dogs can learn to adapt to poor vision and continue to live a good and happy life. Surgery to remove cataracts can prevent blindness and significantly improve your dog’s vision. It’s important to know the signs of poor vision in your dog and to seek guidance from a veterinarian early, when treatment can still make a difference. Dogs, like humans, can develop cataracts that make it difficult to see.
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