Complications:
Scar tissue. All dogs develop some intraocular scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue will limit vision.
Glaucoma. Glaucoma is an increase in eye pressure and this usually occurs within 24 hours of surgery and affects 30% of all dogs who have cataract surgery. Glaucoma can cause complete vision loss and may also require the need for additional medications or surgery especially if left uncontrolled this painful condition could result in the loss of the eye.
Retinal detachment - usually results in complete vision loss.
Intraocular Infection - thankfully this is a rare complication as it also could lead to the surgical removal of the eye or complete vision loss.
General anesthesia – DOGS CAN DIE UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA.
Canine Cataract surgery is expensive because it uses the same equipment as used in human cataract surgery and it requires the specialized training of a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. The pet owner pays 100% of the cost of health care for their pet.
It is often the age at which a dog develops cataracts that can give the best indication as to the type of cataract. In certain breeds the age of onset is particularly important for determining if the cataracts are the result of a hereditary trait.
Congenital Cataracts:
These are cataracts that are present at birth and usually occur in both eyes. Even though the animal is born with them this does not necessarily mean the cataracts have been inherited. However, congenital cataracts such as those found in Miniature Schnauzers are inherited.
Developmental (Early Onset) Cataracts:
Early onset or developmental cataracts develop early on in life and as with congenital cataracts they may be inherited or caused by outside sources such as trauma, diabetes mellitus, infection, or toxicity. Cataracts at this age are common in several breeds including Afghan Hounds and Standard Poodles.
Senile (Late Onset) Cataracts:
Senile cataracts occur in dogs over the age of six years. They occur much less frequently in dogs than in humans. Nuclear sclerosis, which is not considered to be a medical problem, is often confused with cataracts at this age.
Nuclear sclerosis:
Dog owners often assume that their aging dog (over six years old) has senile cataract but more often than not, this is not the case, as the dog actually has the condition nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal change that occurs in the lens of older dogs and is depicted by a slight greying of the lens. The loss of transparency occurs because of compression of the linear fibers in the lens. The condition does not significantly affect the vision of the dog and treatment is not recommended.
Diabetes Mellitus:
As with humans diabetes has a significant impact on eye health. The most common reason for cataract formation in dogs is diabetes. Cataracts in diabetic dogs can develop extremely rapidly, if the dog is not regulated and will normally affect both eyes.
Think about the treatment of your companion and try not to let your weakness become their early demise.
Obesity epidemic in pets
Especially in the over-indulgent West (particularly the US), it is not only humans that are suffering from obesity. This epidemic has now also spread to our most common pets - cats and dogs. The consumption of excessive amounts of carbohydrates and fats, and being sedentary, causes pets a host of secondary health problems. The obese patient is predisposed to life threatening bouts of disease of the pancreas, along with insulin dependent diabetes. Fat cats are especially prone to diabetes, comprising the biggest percentage of diabetic patients in small animal medicine.
Obesity also causes skeletal strain leading to spinal disc injuries, ligament tears and arthritis. Over-feeding your pet is not a gesture of love it is almost an act of cruelty and pet owners are solely responsible for and to their pets. As with good parenting, you, the pet owner has to keep the disciplinary boundaries, you are the adult and you are in charge. A dog for example, is exceptionally clever and a master of begging. He or she will soon establish how to get around the owner for more food and to be cute when sharing your cakes, chips or ice cream. Every act of weakness on your behalf could result in routinely giving in to your pet, which ultimately, could shorten its life and cost you a fortune in vets bills.
Should you choose not to offer your pet the quality of life it deserves by giving it a good, healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, please expect the inevitable impact on your bank balance. Surgery to repair ligament tears or spinal disc herniations are expensive, as are trips to the hospital for pancreatitis and the insulin injections needed to manage his or her diabetes. Lets not forget that diabetic dogs and cats will be almost guaranteed to suffer with cataracts which in turn will probably lead to blindness. An obese pet will age quicker and will therefore suffer the pains of aging earlier.
