Recently I noticed my dog having difficulty going around the house. However she finds her way by sniffing. Once when I came home she heard the gate open and probable smelled me and came to meet me at the gate. I however was able to go around her .Thats when I realized that she must have problem with her eyes as she keeps on sniffing at the gate and did not see me circle around her. I noticed that her iris have become somewhat cloudy(white) Does she suffer from cataract?
2007-03-06 18:58:39 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yep. Dogs go blind and the cloudiness suggests cataracts. At her age wouldn't suggest surgery for cataracts. I have a dog that is 16 and she's almost totally blind and deaf. She gets around great, though. She has learned to follow my other dog around and watch his movement for guidance. I clap my hands to get her attention . She is otherwise in great health, even navigates long staircases with no problem. Things to be aware of, though. Very important to keep same routine with her (feeding time, play time, bedtime, etc.) so she doesn't feel lost. Also, try not to rearrange furniture or place things on floor that she may run into. Since you can tell she's "sniffing" around she has probably been going blind for a while now and has adapted well to it. Also, try not to accidently" drop things by her. Since she can't really see what it is, it scares her. hen my dog is sleeping I always clap my hands to wake her before I approach her as not to scare her. She gets around quite well and actually acts like she's only 10 or so. Just remember that her sense of smell is her greatest sense and don't "surprise" her too much with new objects to navigate.
2007-03-06 19:17:16 · answer #1 · answered by naturepro 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs do get cataracts. They can have other problems too. There are lots of inherited eye problems in certain breeds. If she gets around OK, that's is the important thing. Remind people to watch out for her when you have guests, so no one bumps her, cuts her off or steps on her. Old age is hard for every species.
If you haven't had the vet check her eyes since you noticed this problem, please have the dog checked. It could be an infection or something treatable. Sight is worth saving, if you can.
2007-03-06 19:07:59 · answer #2 · answered by Susan M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, dogs can develop cataracts as they age - surgery seems the only treatment, however, you can make adjustments to enhance the well-being of your pet.
The first website describes cataracts in dogs
The Second gives you specific steps to help your dog get around
The third website has a resource page for reduced vet fees - should you need it.
2007-03-06 19:20:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is extremely common for older dogs and cats to get cataracts. You can get surgery to have them removed but at her age the risk of anaesthetic causing kidney damage is far too risky.
They get along far better than we do with no sight. They seem to get a mind map of the house and garden and as long as they are nt taken to unfamilar territories they are fine.Wait and see and you will be amazed that as long as you don't move things around she will be fine at finding where she wants to go.
2007-03-06 19:04:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Animals can suffer from the same diseases that humans suffer from and they also can take the same drugs that humans take. It is possible that your dog is suffering from cataracts because it is really old 16 years for any animal is old. Take it to the vet because your dog could possibly be suffering from other ailments and you dont want it to suffer.
2007-03-06 20:04:54 · answer #5 · answered by ms_mw_2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I had the same problem with my dog. As she got older, she got really slow and her left eye started to look cloudy. It was completely covered by the time she died at 15 human years.
2007-03-06 19:23:06 · answer #6 · answered by rooster1981 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please take your dog for a check up at the vets. The loss of sight could be age related, but it can be a sign of something more sinister. Our old dog started to go blind when he was getting older. Our vet blood tested him, and we found he had diabetes, which required daily treatment.
Cataracts can be removed, but it's expensive and not always a viable option. A vet could advise you much better than any of us Y!A users.
Good luck with your dog...
2007-03-06 19:19:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs can develop cataracts. It should not effect her quality of life and you shall have to help her adjust. Take her to the vet and let them check her out.
2007-03-06 19:03:56 · answer #8 · answered by lyllyan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dogs can have the same ailments as humans can as they get older.Loss of sight,incontinence,arthritis.It does sound like she's got cataracts which in a dog is untreatable.Unlike humans,dog owners dont donate their pets organs so other pets can be treated with their donated organs.If this was possible,your dog would be able to have an operation to fix her sight with donated lenses like humans do.Speak to your vet if you're concerned about her.
2007-03-06 19:06:22 · answer #9 · answered by nanook570 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes dogs do go blind. Sadly
2007-03-07 00:16:21 · answer #10 · answered by Kitty Pie ozozoz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋