My dog has cataracts in his eyes that are becoming progressively worse. Is this a normal effect of old age, what could be the cause and is it treatable?
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of visual impairment in dogs, and can sometimes lead to total blindness. The rate of development varies from days to years and often the first things noticed by an owner is either a decrease in their dog's sight or slight cloudiness of the lens.
Cataracts can be caused by injury, diseases such as sugar diabetes, some appear to occur spontaneously, through an inherited condition and some are age - related.
It is also worth while remembering that in older dogs the lens becomes slightly blue/grey when they are about 8 years or older. This ageing process is quite normal.
However, it is important to rule out more serious conditions affecting the eye. Make an appointment for your dog to see your vet, taking along a urine sample.
Cataracts can be treated through surgery, but this is very specialised and needs very sophisticated equipment.
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