From the link I posted above! I am by no means against surgery for cataracts but have taken a couple of senior pups to be evaluated and both times was advised against the surgery due to the fact their drainage system was not adequate enough. YHR has had younger foster pups who had the surgery and did quite well.
I am posting the following for people who don't read links that are posted.....
"What are the risks involved with Cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure, but there are risks. Chances of the patient having improved vision after surgery are high for most dogs (90%–95%). But 5% to 10% of dogs will not regain good vision due to complications, and (worst case scenario) may actually be permanently blind in one or both of the operated eyes. Because of species differences in how reactive eyes are to cataracts, inflammation, and to intraocular surgery, cataract surgery is not as successful in dogs (or other domestic species) as it is in humans and other primates. Additionally, it must be kept in mind that no surgery on any species can be guaranteed to be successful.
If your dog has significant LIU (most commonly caused by a hypermature cataract or a rapidly-developing cataract), this also decreases the success rate. LIU is the primary reason that the sooner that cataract surgery can be done, the better.
The risk of intraocular scar tissue. All dogs develop some intraocular scar tissue (primarily opacities of the lens capsule). Excessive scar tissue will limit vision. Puppies and young adult dogs develop more capsular opacities than older dogs. Anti-inflammatory medication and lifetime support with a specific canine antioxidant vision supplement may help reduce the formation of severe capsular opacities.
The risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma (increase in eye pressure) occurs transiently in 30% of dogs that have cataract surgery, usually within the first 24 hours after surgery. This is not as bad as it sounds; most of the time, these pressure increases are temporary and quickly resolve with treatment within the first 1–2 days after surgery. However, glaucoma can also occur later—months to years following surgery. Glaucoma not only can cause complete vision loss, but also may require the need for additional medications or surgery. It can be painful (in the form of a headache) and cause LOSS OF THE EYE if uncontrolled.
The risk of retinal detachment. While surgical re-attachment of the retina is sometimes possible, the success rate can be low and this complication usually results in complete vision loss. However, if it is caught early the surgical success rate is much higher.
The risk of intraocular Infection. While this is rare, it can cause complete vision loss as well as LOSS OF THE EYE (i.e. surgical removal of the eye).
The risk of general anesthesia. Anesthesia safety has progressed tremendously during the last 5 years. However, even healthy pets CAN DIE UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA. We take anesthesia very seriously. All patients are monitored extensively by our surgical team. All patients receive electronically assisted ventilation and monitoring of their blood oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, respiration, temperature, heart function, and blood pressure. " |