Cateract - Please share your experience

[Namor]

I ran a search on here for information on cateracts and found some threads from 2011. Seems to me that perhaps there is some new thoughts on it in 2020. Deuce is 11 years old and I see the development of a cateract in his left eye. I have noticed that he has been a bit clumsy the past few months but still chases a ball like a wild man - as long as it's a bright color. He was at the vet in April for his annual visit but she did not pick up on it and neither did I at the time. Now it definitely is obvious. What is the course of action with this kind of thing? He's otherwise healthy.

Thanks

[Bluebells]

My recommendation, for what it’s worth, is that you not assume the issue with your dog’s eyes/vision is a cataract until he’s been seen by a vet, preferably an ophthalmologist. Cataracts are fairly common among older dogs, but there are other eye issues that can appear similar but are treated differently.

Here’s an article listing some of the causes of cloudy eyes in dogs. (I’m guessing your boy’s eye is cloudy since you said you can see a cataract forming.)

https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-po...-eyes-in-dogs/

I have a young dog with corneal dystrophy. Just to look at his eyes, most people would guess he has cataracts.

[Namor]

Thanks. I'm starting with my vet and will progress from there.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Namor

Thanks. I'm starting with my vet and will progress from there.

Yes, I would start with my vet. Many times they can deal with eye issues. If it IS a cataract, since he is older, they may not recommend surgery but that would definitely be something for an ophthalmologist to assess.

[Namor]

Thanks for the comment Ladyjane. The one thing that is a concern to me is that this seemed to come on rather quickly. I groom him daily. Although I've been a bit occupied with the new grandchild since March. Here are two photos one from Feb. and the other now. Hope you can see the eye when you open the pics.

[ladyjane]

Oh goodness, what a darling little boy!!!

I cannot really tell from the photo. I thought the right eye looked like it might have a cataract but you say it is the right.

[Namor]

Well we had our Vet visit and it is a mature cataract. He also has one growing in his left eye. The vet referred me to a pet ophthalmologist. My vet feels he is young for a yorkie and would benefit from having the surgery. He is otherwise healthy. My vet had the surgery done on one of her dogs and it was successful. Her dog was 14 at the time. Anyone out there have this kind of surgery done on a pet?

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Namor

Well we had our Vet visit and it is a mature cataract. He also has one growing in his left eye. The vet referred me to a pet ophthalmologist. My vet feels he is young for a yorkie and would benefit from having the surgery. He is otherwise healthy. My vet had the surgery done on one of her dogs and it was successful. Her dog was 14 at the time. Anyone out there have this kind of surgery done on a pet?

No, every one that I have had was not eligible for the surgery. Sometimes it is not advised due to the drainage system in the eye as they can get glaucoma. We have had a couple of fosters who had the surgery and did well. The ophthalmologist will let you know.

[Namor]

Thanks. Making the appt. next week after I hear back from a few resources I reached out to. If it's a good option I will go with it. I'll keep you posted.
Mary

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Namor

Thanks. Making the appt. next week after I hear back from a few resources I reached out to. If it's a good option I will go with it. I'll keep you posted.
Mary

Please do....I hope it goes well!