Cataract Surgery In Dogs
Cataracts are the main cause of visual impairment in dogs. However, it is possible to improve this difficulty by surgically removing the abnormal lens and replacing it with an artificial lens instead.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is the opacity of the lens found in the eye. The function of this lens is to focus light rays onto the retina. However, cataracts impede the reach of this light, reducing vision to a great extent.
Advanced cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in dogs. However, pet owners can recognize that their faithful friend suffers from cataracts because they detect a cloudy, bluish-white appearance in their eye.
Cataracts in dogs are the result of a genetically inherited defect. Many purebred dogs are predisposed to suffering from hereditary cataracts, which can develop at birth or throughout their lifetime.
Dogs affected with hereditary cataracts should not be used for breeding purposes.
Cataracts are also associated with diabetes, old age, or trauma and retinal disorders.
Depending on the cause, cataracts may or may not progress, triggering total blindness. The rate of progression is often predictable and can be determined by a detailed examination performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
How are cataracts treated in dogs?
Currently, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the defective lens.
Removal of the lens is performed under general anesthesia by making an incision in the eye. For this purpose, special equipment is used to fragment and remove the diseased crystalline material.
In most cases, an artificial intraocular lens is implanted to replace the diseased lens.
Laser is not used to eliminate cataracts. Surgery is usually recommended when cataracts cause decreased vision, or for progressive cataracts, where vision loss is predicted.
Surgical success rates for early-stage cataracts are higher than for advanced cataracts, which have been present for months or years.
To evaluate the surgical intervention, a veterinary ophthalmologist will order an eye exam to detect other vision disorders.
Blood and urine samples will also be taken to determine the dog’s general health. In addition, an ultrasound assessment of the eye and a special diagnostic test called ERG will be performed to detect any retinal disorder that could interfere with a successful outcome.
After surgery, the dog will have its eyes protected for two weeks. The dog’s exercise and activity must be restricted to avoid eye injury.
What are the risks and complications of cataract surgery?
The success rate of uncomplicated cataract surgery is approximately 95%. The result may vary depending on the overall health of the eye.
After the examination and testing, the ophthalmologist will assess the risks and benefits of the surgery with the owner to help determine the best decision for the dog.
However, there are some inherent risks, as with any surgical procedure that is performed under anesthesia. Owners should review these risks with their veterinarian.
The complication rate after cataract surgery is approximately 5%. When an eye has a complication, it usually means that the dog does not regain his sight.
Some complications may require long-term medical treatment or even additional surgery to correct the problem.
In a cataract operation, important complications include retinal detachment, which is a condition where the retina separates from the underlying mesh.
Total retinal detachment causes vision loss, but it is sometimes possible to correct this complication through surgical intervention.
Excessive inflammation, or uveitis, is a potentially serious problem. Patients with eye inflammation before surgery are more likely to develop this type of problem.
Glaucoma refers to an intraocular pressure that exceeds the normal level. Some dog breeds are prone to glaucoma and may be more likely to develop it after surgery.
Medical and surgical treatment can often control this complication.
