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Cataracts in Dogs, What choice will you make?

Published: 03/18/2010 by Stephen Patrick

Cataracts in Dogs – what choice will you make?

Cataracts are one of the most common problems affecting the eyes of the dog. Affecting all breeds and ages of dogs, there are many different types and causes of cataract formation. Despite the fact that they are very common, a lot is still unknown about canine cataracts. Up until now the only treatment option has been surgery and the procedures and equipment used to remove cataracts in dogs are the same as those used in humans.
Once the affected animal has undergone a thorough examination to determine if it is a good surgical candidate, a small incision is made in the eye and a hole is made in the capsular bag that holds the lens. A special probe ultrasonically emulsifies and removes the cataract. This procedure is called Phacoemulsification. Once the lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens or IOL, is placed in the bag.
There is a limited choice of IOLs available for dogs and an exact replacement of the original lens is not possible. So an operation will usually show some degree of success but it is far from a perfect solution. Post-op dogs will have more inflammation in their eyes than humans and more scarring. This scarring does slightly decrease vision and although most owners notice an increase in their dog’s vision after cataract surgery, they can still detect certain visual difficulties.
Similar to cataract operations in humans, in the majority of cases the outcome is relatively successful. In dogs 5% to 10% will not regain good vision due to complications, and could actually be permanently blind in the operated eye.
The risks if Cataract surgery is performed:
Complications:
• Scar tissue. All dogs develop some intraocular scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue will limit vision.
• Glaucoma. Glaucoma is an increase in eye pressure and this usually occurs within 24 hours of surgery and affects 30% of all dogs who have cataract surgery. Glaucoma can cause complete vision loss and may also require the need for additional medications or surgery especially if left uncontrolled this painful condition could result in the loss of the eye.
• Retinal detachment - usually results in complete vision loss.
• Intraocular Infection - thankfully this is a rare complication as it also could lead to the surgical removal of the eye or complete vision loss.
• General anesthesia – DOGS CAN DIE UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA.

Canine Cataract surgery is expensive because it uses the same equipment as used in human cataract surgery and it requires the specialized training of a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. The pet owner pays 100% of the cost of health care for their pet.

It is often the age at which a dog develops cataracts that can give the best indication as to the type of cataract. In certain breeds the age of onset is particularly important for determining if the cataracts are the result of a hereditary trait.
Congenital Cataracts:
These are cataracts that are present at birth and usually occur in both eyes. Even though the animal is born with them this does not necessarily mean the cataracts have been inherited. However, congenital cataracts such as those found in Miniature Schnauzers are inherited.

Developmental (Early Onset) Cataracts:
Early onset or developmental cataracts develop early on in life and as with congenital cataracts they may be inherited or caused by outside sources such as trauma, diabetes mellitus, infection, or toxicity. Cataracts at this age are common in several breeds including Afghan Hounds and Standard Poodles.

Senile (Late Onset) Cataracts:
Senile cataracts occur in dogs over the age of six years. They occur much less frequently in dogs than in humans. Nuclear sclerosis, which is not considered to be a medical problem, is often confused with cataracts at this age.
Nuclear sclerosis:
Dog owners often assume that their aging dog (over six years old) has senile cataract but more often than not, this is not the case, as the dog actually has the condition nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal change that occurs in the lens of older dogs and is depicted by a slight greying of the lens. The loss of transparency occurs because of compression of the linear fibers in the lens. The condition does not significantly affect the vision of the dog and treatment is not recommended.

Diabetes Mellitus:

As with humans diabetes has a significant impact on eye health. The most common reason for cataract formation in dogs is diabetes. Cataracts in diabetic dogs can develop extremely rapidly, if the dog is not regulated and will normally affect both eyes.




If you suspect your dog is developing cataracts - visit a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Once a lens has developed a cataract, you could choose to have the immature or mature cataracts surgically removed or treat your beloved pet in the same way you would choose to treat your own cataract(s). If there was a chance to reverse a cataract using a soothing eye drop rather than going under the knife in a potentially risky operation, what would you do?

There is a choice.


Once you have determined that your dog has cataracts. Ask the veterinary ophthalmologist about the cost to you’re your dog and to your bank account. It is highly improbable that the vet will recommend an eye drop as he/she will not have had experience in treating a dog in this way. Can-C eye drops are a breakthrough product and as they have yet to be ‘approved’ by the FDA, then your vet will probably advise you to go down the only route they know – surgery.

We encourage people to have an eye test before and after using the eye drops to gain the hard evidence that they actually work. Surely the same could be done for your dog?

Those dog owners already using the eye drops on their dogs are copying the same daily dosage regimen needed in humans. Human studies have proved that there can be no over-use with Can-C eye drops.

In the study conducted by Innovative Vision Products (IVP), the clinical effects of a topical solution of N-acetylcarnosine (Can-C) on lens opacities were examined in patients with cataracts and in canines with age-related cataracts. The data showed that N-acetylcarnosine is effective in the management of age-related cataract reversal and prevention both in human and in canine eyes.

The choice is yours. The choice is clear. Avoid surgery - try Can-C eye drops.

We relish the opportunity to work with any forward thinking veterinary ophthalmologists who are willing to treat canine cataracts with Can-C eye drops.


For more information please contact:

Stephen Patrick

Account manager

Tel: 561 459 1874

Fax: 561 258 2658

www.can-c.biz

Leaders in the business of Can-C