Cataract Surgery in Dogs

Cataracts in dogs are a relatively common occurrence but do need to be taken care of to avoid eventual blindness. Today, our Danbury vets explain the causes, signs, and surgery required to treat cataracts in dogs.

Cataracts in Dogs

Each dog's eye contains a lens, similar to the lens of a camera. These are the lenses that are used to focus vision. A cataract is a clouding or opacification of all or part of the lens that prevents a clear image from being focused on the retina, impairing the dog's ability to see clearly.

Causes of Cataracts in Dogs

Cataracts can develop as a result of diabetes, eye inflammation, ocular trauma, or retinal disease, but they are most frequently found in older dogs and are typically inherited.

Diagnosing Cataracts in Dogs  

If your dog exhibits signs of vision problems, such as bumping into furniture or having difficulty locating their food or water dish, or if their eyes appear cloudy, contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination.

If your veterinarian suspects your dog has cataracts, he or she may refer you to a Veterinary Ophthalmic Specialist (pet eye specialist) who can conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for your dog.

Treating Cataracts in Dogs

Although there is no treatment available to reverse cataracts once they have formed, cataracts can frequently be surgically removed to help restore your dog's vision. Regrettably, not all dogs with cataracts are surgical candidates, and thus surgery may be out of the question for your pooch.

Early detection is critical when it comes to saving your dog's sight. Regular twice-yearly wellness exams allow your veterinarian to examine your dog's eyes for signs of developing cataracts and to recommend treatment before they progress to a more serious stage.

If your dog has been diagnosed with cataracts and is a good candidate for surgery, the sooner the surgery can be performed, the better the long-term outcome for your pet is likely to be.

Cataract Surgery in Dogs

Here is the process for most, if not all, dog cataract surgery.

Drop-Off

Every veterinary hospital is different however, in most cases, you will drop your dog off either the night before the surgery is due to take place or the morning of the cataract surgery.

Dogs suffering from diabetes will require some special management. Your vet will advise you on caring for your dog before the cataract surgery, follow your vet's instructions carefully.

Pre-Surgery Testing

Before the surgery begins, your dog will be sedated and an ultrasound will be performed to rule out any complications such as retinal detachment or lens rupture (bursting). An electroretinogram (ERG) will then be performed to ensure that your dog's retina is functioning normally. Unfortunately, if any unexpected issues are discovered during these tests, your dog may not be a candidate for cataract surgery.

Surgical Procedure

Cataract surgery on dogs is performed under a general anesthetic. A muscle relaxant will also be administered so that the eye comes into the correct position for the operation.

Phacoemulsification is a technique used to remove cataracts. This procedure, which uses an ultrasonic device to break up and remove the cloudy lens from the eye, is identical to the one used in human cataract surgery. In most cases, it is possible to replace the old lens with an artificial lens designed specifically for dogs.

Post-Surgery

Typically, the veterinarian will recommend that your dog stay overnight for monitoring and then return home the next morning if all appears to be well. While many dogs will have some vision restored the very next day, it typically takes several weeks for vision to stabilize as the eye adjusts to the surgery's effect and the presence of the artificial lens.

Intensive aftercare is required following cataract surgery, including the use of several types of eye drops, multiple times each day.

Your Dog's Vision After Surgery

Provided that the rest of the eye is in good working order, cataract surgery in dogs has a high success rate. Approximately 95% of dogs regain vision as soon as they recover from the procedure. The long-term prognosis for your dog maintaining vision after surgery is about 90% at 1 year, and 80% at 2 years postoperatively. Successful long-term outcomes depend upon good post-operative care and regular visits to the veterinarian for eye examinations and monitoring.

Your Dog's Recovery Process After Surgery

In dogs, the initial healing period after cataract surgery is approximately two weeks. During those two weeks, your dog must wear an E-collar (cone) at all times and be limited to leashed walks only.

Several medications, including eye drops and oral medications, will also need to be administered to your dog during this time. Following your veterinarian's instructions precisely is critical for a successful outcome with your dog's vision.

When you attend the 2-week follow-up appointment your dog's medications may be reduced, however, some dogs will need to remain on medication permanently.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.