Cataracts are a cloud-like substance that forms in the lens of your pet’s eye, causing vision loss. They form when proteins clump together.

These are a disease in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. They typically occur with age, disease, or trauma to the eye. This appear as a murky grayish-blue color and can become red and irritated. This disease formation comes with old age, disease, and eye trauma.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eyes. They can cause total blindness or foggy vision, depending on how severe it is. The majority of this disease are genetically-based. Today, it’s possible to test your dog for genetic susceptibility to cataracts by taking a sample of saliva from them and sending it out for analysis.

Factors responsible for  Cataracts?

Cataracts in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. If a dog is from a breed known to have cataracts, they are more likely to develop them. Diabetes mellitus is another common cause. Eye injuries that result in inflammation can also cause this. Age is the biggest risk factor for developing cataracts without an underlying condition.

This can be caused by many factors such as eye injuries or trauma, nutritional disorders or deficiencies, exposure to toxic substances, birth defects, eye infections and inflammation or genetics. And it can also be due to cancer therapy treatments

An untreated dog with cataracts can become blind from the obstruction of light through the lens. This problem is treatable at that time, but without treatment it can develop into glaucoma.

Glaucoma isn’t the only condition caused by untreated cataracts. Other conditions include lens luxation, where the lens can float around out of place; and cataract dissolution, where the cloudiness that causes a cataract to form will eventually dissolve on its own.

Diagnosis of the disease

If your dog is getting older and his eyes start to look cloudy, or if he has an underlying eye disease like cataracts, you can switch to a diet that is formulated for pets with sensitive skin.

Nuclear sclerosis is similar to cataracts and is a condition that causes a dog’s eye lenses to become cloudy. The dog will still be able to see, but their eyes will look cloudy. Your vet can examine your dog’s eyes and determine whether they have nuclear sclerosis or cataracts.

Breeds that can be affected?

Cataracts are a genetic trait that can be passed down from parent to offspring. Breeds known for this include: American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Havanese, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Siberian Husky, Silky Terrier, West Highland White Terrier.

Prevention of Cataracts

Cataracts can’t be prevented in dogs, but you can take steps to ensure your dog’s vision is preserved. These include: find out the medical history of your dog’s parents, since this disease are often inherited, Examine your dog’s eyes regularly, visit the vet if their eyes look cloudy or bluish-gray, Take your dog to the vet if you suspect they’re having trouble.

Treatment of Cataract

This can be removed by a surgical procedure with general anesthesia. The surgeon will remove the lens and replace it with a plastic or acrylic one. Only one eye may need to be operated on, but in some cases both eyes will require surgery.

Usess of eye drops and dugs may be a viable and effective treatment option for this disease. The majority of dogs have an issue with this disease, which is why these eye drops are a treatment option. They help to treat common conditions that cause this disease in dogs in order to give them relief from their symptoms.

Veterinarians also test for any underlying conditions that cause this. Treating those conditions can prevent further health issues from forming.