Cataracts in animals

Cataracts (clouding of the lens) are the leading cause of vision loss in animals. It can occur in almost all domestic and wild animals, and the most common patients in veterinary offices in our region are dogs and cats.

Causes and symptoms

Cataracts can occur as a result of trauma (more common in cats) or can be hereditary (more common in dogs). Depending on the degree of clouding of the lens, as well as whether the cataract appeared in one or both eyes, the symptoms also depend. Owners usually first notice the whiteness inside their pet’s eye, but also obvious changes in behavior: reluctance or insecurity when walking, not finding their way in an unfamiliar environment, seclusion and lack of energy.

Healing

As with humans, the only way to cure cataracts is surgery. This is preceded by a complete systematic and ophthalmological examination, in order to find out in a timely manner whether there was a previous problem or disease that could affect the outcome of the operation or would be a contraindication for the operation. The best patient for cataract surgery is an animal that has gradually lost its vision, has no other eye diseases, is easy to administer drugs, is systemically healthy and tolerates general anesthesia well.

Unlike humans, cataract surgery in animals is performed under general anesthesia. The most modern method of surgery is the so-called ultrasound. phacoemulsification. After removing the clouded natural lens, a special artificial lens can be placed in its place. The animal can function quite well even without this lens, but by placing an artificial lens, visual acuity is drastically improved and the chance of postoperative complications is reduced.

The owner should be conscientious and regularly give therapy to his pet, bringing him regularly for check-ups. Also, the owner should keep in mind that the percentage of success in cataract surgery is higher in the initial phase, and therefore one should not wait for the animal to go blind, hit obstacles and become incapable of a normal life, in order to perform the operation.