Treatment for Cataracts in Dogs

1-The surgical removal of the cataract ( phacoemulsification)

Cataracts in dogs, more particularly immature and mature cataracts, need to be treated surgically. However, even these procedures can’t guarantee a 100% restoration of your dog’s vision. Also, since the procedure requires incisions and anesthesia, only a licensed pet surgeon can perform the procedure.

The surgical removal of the cataract in the eyes is called phacoemulsification.
This is also the procedure performed in humans.
The blurry part of the eye is removed and it is replaced with an artificial lens.
If the lens is not as strong as expected, sutures will be added to support it.

2-an artificial lens

There are also some cases where it is not possible to put an artificial lens in your dog’s eye. Even so, the surgery will still be carried out, as there are no other known cures to this condition. Though the lens of the dog’s eye won’t be removed, the dog’s vision will be improved after surgery. Such a surgery is intended to remove the protein and water build-up in the lenses of the eyes, which are the main elements that cause the condition.

If your dog is duly diagnosed with cataracts, it is imperative that you work closely with the veterinarian so that your dog’s condition can be reversed. Remember that cataracts are an advancing disease. It has to be treated during its early stages for your dog to be able to see well again.

Generally, the surgical procedure for dog cataracts has a high success rate. Dogs that go through it have about a 90 to 95% chance of recovering from the disease. However, around five to ten percent of dogs don’t benefit much from the procedure because they are already suffering from mature cataracts, or the complications of the disease are so severe the veterinarian can’t do anything about it.

After the surgery, the dog is expected to experience improvement in its vision after six weeks maximum. Some dogs even enjoy noticeable results in just a few days. The wounds and incisions caused by the cataract surgery take time to heal. This is also why home medication after surgery is essential.

The veterinarian and pet owner need to confer on a lot of things perform before cataract surgery. For starters, the dog owner should understand what the procedure entails and what can be expected from it. If the vet finds that your dog’s lens can’t be replaced from some reason and that he can only remove the cataract that has formed, you have to realize that your pet’s vision won’t be restored totally. What the veterinarian can do instead is greatly improve your dog’s vision.

you need to perform Several procedures before the actual surgery.

blood samples will be required.
Your dog also has to use eye drops to prepare the eyes.
The dog will also be under general anesthesia.
During the surgery, the eye part has to be cleared of obstacles as well.