Cataracts in dogs and cats

Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

Just like us, in order for your pet to see clearly, light must be able pass through the lens of an eye without obstruction. A cataract is an eye condition where the lens becomes cloudy and causes vision impairment. We’ve put together a guide to help you spot cataracts in your furry friend.

What is a Cataract?

The lens in the eye becomes cloudy, impairing vision. You may notice discolouration of the pupil in your pet’s eyes. Untreated, a cataract may lead to blindness.

What are the causes of cataracts in dogs and cats?

Cataracts are more likely to affect dogs than cats.

• Inherited
  • Dog breeds most at risk of cataracts are:
    • Standard poodles
    • Miniature Schnauzer
    • Smooth Fox Terriers
    • American Cocker Spaniel
• Old Age - Like humans, the risk of cataracts increases with age.
• Diabetes - Cataracts are a common complication of diabetes.
• Injury - A cataract may develop when an eye is healing from trauma.

Symptoms

Generally, cataracts can’t be prevented, but you might see some changes in your pets’ eyes, such as:

• Reduced vision – They might bump into objects more than usual
• Opaque eyes – Fully-developed cataracts will give your pets eye an opaque appearance
• Eye discolouration – Your beloved pooch’s eye might start to look cloudy or have a light blue tint

If you notice any changes in your little buddies eye colour, you should take them to the vet straight away.

Diagnosis and treatment

If you are concerned about your pet’s eyes, take them to the vet. The vet can diagnose if a cataract is present, or if it is something else.

Your vet will conduct an eye examination which help to identify if there is a cataract present, or if there is an alternative condition such as nuclear sclerosis. They’ll be able to determine the extent of any possible problems and advise on how to help manage it.  

We’ve created an infographic below with some snappy facts. If you’d like to know more about other eye conditions that can affect your pampered pets, why not read our articles on cherry eye or entropion?