Cataract Surgery in Dogs

Cataracts obstruct light from reaching your dog's retina, resulting in blurred vision and, eventually, blindness. Our Ventura veterinarians explain the causes and symptoms of cataracts in dogs, as well as the surgery used to treat this eye condition, in today's blog.

Cataracts in Dogs

Each dog's eye contains a lens, similar to a camera lens. These lenses are used to sharpen vision. A cataract is a cloudiness or opacification of all or part of the lens that prevents a clear image from being focused on the retina and interferes with the dog's ability to see clearly.

What causes cataracts in dogs?

Cataracts can develop as a result of diabetes, eye inflammation, ocular trauma, or retinal disease, but they are most commonly found in older dogs and are an inherited condition.

Which breeds are more likely to develop cataracts?

Cataracts are common in a variety of breeds, including Boston terriers, miniature schnauzers, poodles, and American cocker spaniels.

How are cataracts diagnosed?  

If your dog is showing signs of vision problems, such as bumping into furniture or having difficulty finding their food or water dish, or if your dog's eyes appear cloudy, contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination.

If your veterinarian suspects your dog has cataracts, he or she may refer you to a Veterinary Ophthalmic Specialist (pet eye specialist) who will be able to run tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for your dog.

What is the treatment for cataracts in dogs?

Once a cataract has formed, there is no treatment available to reverse it; however, cataracts can often be surgically removed to help restore your dog's vision. Unfortunately, not all dogs with cataracts are surgical candidates, so surgery may not be an option for your dog.

When it comes to saving your dog's sight, early detection is critical. Regular twice-yearly wellness exams allow your veterinarian to check your dog's eyes for signs of developing cataracts and recommend treatment before they worsen.

If your dog has cataracts and is a good candidate for surgery, the sooner the surgery can be performed, the better your pet's long-term outcome is likely to be.

What is the cataract surgery process for dogs?

Below is the process of cataract surgery in dogs, from drop-off to pick-up.

Drop-Off

Every veterinary hospital is different, but in most cases, you will drop your dog off either the night before or the morning of the cataract surgery.

Diabetes-affected dogs will necessitate special care. Your veterinarian will advise you on how to care for your dog before cataract surgery; carefully follow your veterinarian's instructions.

Pre-Surgery Testing

Before the surgery, your dog will be sedated, and an ultrasound will be performed to check for problems such as retinal detachment or lens rupture (bursting), followed by an electroretinogram (ERG) to confirm that your dog's retina is working properly. Unfortunately, if these tests reveal any unexpected problems, your dog may not be a good candidate for cataract surgery.

Surgical Procedure

Cataract surgery is performed on dogs under general anesthesia. A muscle relaxant will also be administered to ensure that the eye is in the proper position for the operation.

Phacoemulsification is a technique used to remove cataracts. This procedure, which is similar to cataract surgery on humans, uses an ultrasonic device to break up and remove the cloudy lens from the eye. In most cases, it is possible to replace the old lens with an artificial lens designed specifically for dogs.

Post-Surgery

Typically, the veterinary surgeon will advise that your dog stay overnight for monitoring and then return home in the morning if everything appears to be fine. Many dogs will have some of their vision restored the next day, but it will usually take a few weeks for vision to settle as the eye adjusts to the effect of the surgery and the presence of the artificial lens.

Following cataract surgery, intensive aftercare is required, including the use of several types of eye drops multiple times per day.

Will my dog be able to see normally after cataract surgery?

Provided that the rest of the eye is in good working order, cataract surgery in dogs is has a high success rate. Approximately 95% of dogs regain vision as soon as they recover from the procedure. The long-term prognosis for your dog maintaining vision after surgery is about 90% at 1 year, and 80% at 2 years postoperatively. Successful long-term outcomes depend upon good post-operative care and regular visits to the veterinarian for eye examinations and monitoring.

Are there any risks with this surgery?

All surgical procedures involving animals or humans carry some level of risk. Although complications from cataract surgery in dogs are uncommon, veterinary ophthalmologists have seen corneal ulcers and pressure elevations within the eye following surgery. Attending a follow-up exam with your dog's surgeon is critical for preventing complications after surgery.

How long will it take for my dog to recover from cataract surgery?

The initial recovery following cataract surgery in dogs is about 2 weeks. Throughout those 2 weeks, your dog will need to wear an E-collar (cone) at all times and have their activity restricted to leash walks only.

Several medications, including eye drops and oral medications, will also need to be given to your dog during this time. It is critical to carefully follow your veterinarian's instructions to achieve a positive outcome for your dog's vision.

Your dog's medications may be reduced if you attend the two-week follow-up appointment, but some dogs will need to be on medication indefinitely.

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