| One of the most common problems affecting the | | | | developing cataracts is very crucial in identifying |
| eyes of dogs is canine cataract. While canine | | | | the type of cataract. The age of onset may help |
| cataract presents at different ages, and in various | | | | to determine if the cataracts are hereditary or |
| forms, in general they can affect all dog breeds. | | | | trauma induced. |
| Recent research carried out by veterinary | | | | CONGENITAL CATARACTS |
| scientists has shown that certain types of canine | | | | Congenital dog cataracts present at birth. |
| cataracts are more common in specific breeds. | | | | Congenital cataracts usually occur in both of the |
| Dog cataracts are very widespread, and | | | | dogs eyes. Although one might think that |
| unfortunately there is still a lot that we do not | | | | congenital cataracts are inherited this is not |
| know about this condition. | | | | necessarily the case as puppies may be |
| This article covers some of the different forms | | | | susceptible to infections and/or toxins while still in |
| of dog cataracts and gives details of the likely | | | | the womb. |
| age of onset. | | | | DEVELOPMENTAL (EARLY ONSET) CATARACTS |
| The word “cataract” actually means 'to | | | | Developmental cataracts start early in a pup’s |
| break down.' The breakdown referred to is the | | | | life and may either be inherited or caused by |
| disruption of the natural arrangement of the lens | | | | something in the dogs environment. Inherited |
| fibers within the eye itself. This disruption results | | | | cataracts at an early age are more common in |
| in a form of oxidation and a loss of transparency | | | | breeds such as Standard Poodles, Afghan Hounds |
| to the lens. To the pet’s owner a dog’s | | | | and certain terrier breeds. |
| cataract often appears to have a milky white | | | | SENILE (LATE ONSET) CATARACTS |
| appearance. There is however a condition known | | | | Cataracts that occur in dogs over the age of 6 |
| as nuclear sclerosis which has a similar appearance | | | | years are referred to as senile cataracts. Nuclear |
| to that of cataract. In many situations the milky | | | | sclerosis can often be confused with senile |
| eye of the dog is not due to canine cataracts, but | | | | cataracts. |
| to a condition that is known as 'nuclear sclerosis.' | | | | INHERITED CATARACTS |
| Nuclear sclerosis is a change that takes place in | | | | Inherited cataracts in dogs may occur on their |
| the lens of older dogs. It manifests itself physically | | | | own or may present simultaneously with other |
| as a graying of the lens of the eye. It typically | | | | diseases of the eye. Obviously a dog that is |
| occurs in both of the dogs eyes simultaneously | | | | diagnosed with inherited cataracts should not be |
| and usually occurs in dogs that have reached six | | | | used for breeding. |
| years of age or more. While its appearance is | | | | TRAUMA INDUCED CATARACTS |
| worrisome Nuclear sclerosis does not greatly | | | | Trauma resulting from; a head injury, scratch or |
| affect the vision of the dog and treatment is not | | | | puncture to the eye surface, shotgun pellet, may |
| generally recommended. | | | | damage the lens, resulting in cataract. These |
| HOW DOG CATARACTS DEVELOP | | | | cataracts can be very aggressive in their |
| All canine cataracts develop in a similar fashion | | | | development; within days of the given trauma the |
| although there are various causes. A normal dog | | | | white milky appearance may be visible to the |
| eye is actually maintained in what is referred to | | | | owner or tending veterinarian. |
| as a dehydrated state. That is to say it consists | | | | DIABETIC INDUCED CATARCTS |
| of 66% water and 33% protein. There is an | | | | When there is excess sugar in the eye fluids, |
| intricate sodium water pump system in the lens | | | | there is excess sorbitol produced. Sorbitol pulls |
| that maintains the all important water/protein | | | | water into the lens which in turn disrupts lens |
| balance. When this intricate water pump system in | | | | clarity and causes the cataract. Fructose is also |
| the lens is damaged, the balance alters and extra | | | | produced from the excess glucose and also |
| water moves into the lens. This is accompanied | | | | contributes to the problem. Unfortunately these |
| by an increase in the percentage of insoluble | | | | can be very aggressive cataracts and can induce |
| protein. These changes result in the cataract | | | | blindness in a matter of weeks or months in the |
| formation and the associated loss of | | | | affected dog. |
| transparency. | | | | This article is free to republish provided the |
| AGE OF ONSET | | | | authors resource box remains intact. |
| The age at which a dog shows signs of | | | | |