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Pet Article
CATARACTS IN CATS AND DOGS
A cataract is the clouding or loss of the transparency in the lens of the eye. The lens being
the critical focussing component of the eye. When this lens becomes opaque or cloudy, enough
light does not pass through it and your cat or dogs vision may become impaired. Cataracts cause
the pupil to appear grey or white. Cataracts are also often confused with nuclear sclerosis, or
the normal ageing of the lens, this normal ageing does not usually affect vision and is common
in older dogs. Cataracts can be genetically predetermined, although some have secondary causes.
There are no current tests available for genetic predisposition, but secondary causes can include
diabetes mellitus and uveitis.
The most common clinical sign to look out for in your cat or dog is the appearance of a white
or grey color behind the pupil. Other clinical signs may include partial or total loss of vision
and avoidance of dark rooms.
Your veterinarian can diagnose cataracts using an opthalomoscope. By determining how much of
the lens is affected, your veterinarian may be able to determine how impaired your pet’s vision
may be. If the cataract is secondary to another disease, treatment will be directed at
alleviating the underlaying cause. However, in most cases, there is no way to reverse cataracts.
In cats and dogs who have their complete vision imparied, a surgical procedure to remove the lens
and replace it with an artificial lens.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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