As dogs enter old age, their body organs and tissues continue to degenerate, often with degeneration or loss of vision, a problem that can be caused by senile cataracts. Cataracts are clouding of the lens or anterior capsule of the lens. Any dog breed can develop cataracts, especially dogs with large, convex eyes, such as Pekinese, Pug and Chihuahuas. However, there are also some dog breeds that develop more congenital cataracts at a young age, such as poodles, cocker spaniels, huskies, etc. Etiology 1. Most cataracts in dogs are the result of a genetic cause and occur at different ages in dogs. These cataracts may develop rapidly within a few weeks or last for many years and can occur in both eyes. Cataracts develop differently in different breeds of dogs. 2. Diabetes, 75% of diabetic dogs may develop cataracts within the first year. Once a dog develops diabetes, cataracts develop very rapidly. 3. Toxic reactions to the lens, such as those caused by intraocular disease or drug toxicity. These toxic cataracts are more common in dogs, such as progressive retinal atrophy, uveitis or any trauma to the eye, secondary to glaucoma. 4. Rupture of the crystal capsule, which may be caused by trauma or breed problems. Therefore, after trauma to the eye, it is best to go to an animal hospital for an examination to prevent the occurrence of a torn capsule, and to take prompt action if abnormalities occur, so that other secondary problems can be avoided. If the crystal is swollen, as in the case of diabetes, it can also lead to the rupture of the crystal capsule bag. Pay more attention to 5. Nutritional deficiencies that lead to cataracts, such as in puppies fed on milk replacer, can cause this problem. This is called nutritional cataracts and most of these problems improve with age.6. Cataracts develop in older dogs as they age. Usually older than 8 years. It is common for the lens of middle-aged and older animals to develop cloudy lesions due to aging. The disease is initially characterized by normal vision. When the lens loses its transparency and further develops into a cloudy lens, the pupil becomes blue-white or gray. 2. With a pearl-like luster, vision disappears or decreases, and the diagnosis is confirmed by naked eye examination when the cloudiness is obvious. 3. In the later stages of the disease, the lens hardens and loses excess water, and the fundus cannot be seen on examination. With further loss of water, the lens becomes uneven, wrinkled and small, and can naturally dislocate. Treatment 1. medication, mainly for the early stage of cataracts, cataracts and musk pearl eye medication can inhibit the development of cataracts in dogs, but can not solve the part of the dog’s eye has become cloudy, only up to inhibit the role. 2. surgery, is currently the only effective method. This includes lens aspiration, intracapsular or extracapsular extraction, but surgery can be dangerous when glaucoma occurs later in life. Prevention 1. It is best to know the family history of the puppy when you buy it. 2. Avoid eye trauma. 3. Treat eye and other diseases promptly. 4. Treat diabetes promptly. 5. Balanced and comprehensive nutrition may play a role in prevention. 6. Pay more attention to eye care in general, especially for breeds with large and prominent eyes, to reduce the occurrence of eye disease. The recovery period for caring for your dog’s cataract surgery is relatively long, taking about one to two months. During the recovery period it is important to supervise the dog’s movement, avoid exercise as much as possible, and also keep it clean, while also requiring the owner to take care of the sick dog without fail. Pay attention to the health of your dog’s eyes, use eye drops regularly, and treat eye diseases as soon as they are discovered, so that your dog does not suffer from eye problems.
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