A few minutes ago we found something foggy in one of our dog's eyes. Please give advice on how it was caused, and how to remove it (i.e. if veterinary surgery is necessary
2007-01-19 13:50:30 · 9 answers · asked by Ares Hunter 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The only way to remove a cataract is to have a veterinary ophthalmologist perform surgery (called phacoemulsification). If you choose to have him evaluated, the specialist can determine if this is a cataract that requires surgery. The seriousness of a cataract is dependent on many factors (size, rate of development, location, cause, etc). Not all cataracts are bad enough to recommend surgery and there are tests that he will need to pass to make sure the rest of the eye is working well too before surgery is discussed. If this is a rapidly progressive problem, surger is the only way to restore vision. If it progresses far enough, whether or not you are interested in surgery, the dog will need to be on medications FOR LIFE to control inflammation in the eye caused by the cataract. Inflammation leads to other problems including glaucoma (which is painful). There is an "aging change" seen in dogs lenses starting nuclear sclerosis that is seen after about 6 years of age - this is not a concern and does not affect vision significantly. Other things besides a cataract can look like a "fog" - your regular veterinarian should be able to tell you if it is the cornea, anterior chamber, lens or vitreous that you are seeing this in and determine if you need to have him evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
2007-01-19 17:26:18 · answer #1 · answered by Tina F 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take the dog to a vet. It may be a cataract or it may just be an infection. There are different types of cataracts and some can be dissolved using predisone. Some types of cataracts limit peripheral vision so the dog is seeing as if its looking through a tube. Another type prevents the dog from seeing up close and another dims distant vision.
I have 4 cocker spaniels and they all have cataracts, but right now the vet doesn't think anyone needs surgery. They've all seen doggie eye specialists.
2007-01-27 07:01:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is not causing the dog problems, i.e. the dog still can see, then do not have the dog undergo surgery. But if the problem progresses due to the loss of sight, have the vet surgeon operate. The only other option would be to discuss with the vet whether a change of diet for the dog would help slow the process of the cataract.
2007-01-27 09:54:44 · answer #3 · answered by desertflower 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As they get older, a lot of dogs develop something called blue eye that is pretty normal. They can usually still see well, it may just cloud their vision a little. Cataracts are not a normal part of the aging process, and are considered a disease. If you are willing to spend the money, a vet specialist can remove these. There are risks, of course. It could be an ulceration, due to trauma to the eye, where the cornea gets damaged. This can usually be fixed with medication. Or, it could be keratoconjuntivitis sicca
(dry eye) which will require medication too. Your vet will be able to figure out which of these it is, and the best course of action to take.
2007-01-19 14:04:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thank you for rescueing this baby. We get many dogs, mostly older with cataracts. Yes, there is surgery. However, these dogs can still function very well, just like in humans. Their other senses kick in and they compensate for the eyesight.
I have taken in several of our older senior pets that were blind, deaf or just real old. They are such a joy. They would just follow my scent or voice. Require a little thought as in keeping their food, bed, etc in one place and not moving around. Cataracts take a long time to cause real blindness.
Your vet should be consulted on this for the options available.
Thank you again for caring.
2007-01-19 14:07:11 · answer #5 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A veterinarian may be able to remove the cataract...but it's not necessarily a bad thing if they don't.
Older dogs simply get cataracts. It's part of aging...it's really good that you adopted a dog who wasn't a puppy.
Kudos to you.
2007-01-19 13:55:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take him to your vet to be sure it is a cataract.... just to be safe. and yes, they can do surgery on dogs eyes just as they do humans.. here is a link w/info on dogs eye issues.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1606&articleid=407
2007-01-26 02:48:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vet... Surgery will be necessary... Do it... you wont regret the money spent to give him sight....
2007-01-26 15:27:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will have to bring him to the vet he is probably blind in one eye.
2007-01-26 23:40:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋