Cataract In American Bulldog

By Author: Ricardo Limbardo
Total Articles: 1131
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What are Dog Cataracts?

Cataracts are one form of eye problem that breaks down the lens fiber of the eyes. It develops when excess water from the back of the lens overflow to affect the actual lens. Cataracts are one of the common eye problems that affect both humans and dogs as well. There are many different kinds of cataracts in dogs. Also, some cataracts affect just one eye, and some affect both eyes. Cataracts can be physically perceived in the form of a whiteness in the lens of the affected eye. In general, however, cataracts blur the dog's vision, and severe cases can lead to complete blindness.

What Are The Different Kinds of Dog Cataracts, and What Causes Them?

There are several factors that can cause eye problems in dogs such as dog cataracts. One of them is age. Although young dogs are also vulnerable to dog cataracts, age also increases the chances of cataract development of cataracts, or more specifically, late onset cataracts. Cataracts that develop in young dogs are usually called early onset cataracts. Another factor is when the dog cataract is hereditary. There are also some cases when ...
... cataracts are inborn, and already affect the dog from birth. Such cases are classified as congenital cataracts, and can even be attributed to infections even within the womb. Congenital cataracts are common among Boston Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Welsh Springer Spaniels, among some others. However, there is still a distinction between a congenital cataract and a hereditary cataract. Hereditary cataracts can occur recurrently in certain dog breeds more than most. Other forms of dog cataracts include those that developed due to a physical damage that occurred to the lens of a dog's eye or eyes. Also, another form of cataract is caused by diabetes, due to the excessive amounts of glucose that occurs in the eyes. Diabetic dogs can easily develop cataracts if not prevented.

How Can You Treat Dog Cataracts?

As of now, the only present treatment for dog cataracts is surgery. The lens is surgically removed, and replaced. Since there are no other available treatment alternatives, there is no more question as to whether surgery is an option. It is the only option. However, dog surgeons have also explored the different ways on how the lens can be removed. In some cases, the lens, along with the capsule that surrounds it, is removed. In some cases, however, only the lens is removed. The results are basically the same. The only difference may lie in the specific case of dog cataract that occurred in the dog. Other factors, however, should also be considered to know whether a surgery is alright for your dog. The veterinarian opthalmologist still needs to determine whether your dog is fit for surgery.

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