Pet Cataract Reversion without Surgery: Is it Possible?

As little as ten years ago, the reach of veterinary medicine for canine and feline cataracts extended only to invasive, and expensive, surgery. Cataracts, a cloudiness that forms over the pupils as pets age, can worsen until vision in the affected eye is lost without intervention.

While not all cases lead to blindness, it can be concerning for pet parents that see a beloved furry friend progressively lose their eyesight. Cataracts affect all breeds of dogs and cats, sometimes caused by an injury, nutritional deficiency, exposure, diabetes, birth defects, or even genetics. Most commonly, age is the leading cause in cataract development, specifically when a dog reaches senior age, around seven to eight years of age. Some cases wind up being so severe with eye dryness that Glaucoma develops, causing irreversible damage, leaving the pet completely blind.

So what can be done? Some veterinarians recommend a DNA Test that will predict possible diseases in the pets’ future, such as cataracts, that can also screen for early onset diabetes, bone density issues, and other genetic defaults. Others swear by products such as prescription eye drops, that are given to pets in the hope that they will prevent future issues that align with cataracts, such as glaucoma, infection, and retinal detachment. Use of the drops at Cambridge University’s Veterinary Medicine found that prescription drops substantially improved the immature cataracts over a period of eight weeks.

While these results are definitely appealing, for the average consumer, the price is much more preferable than surgery, which can cost the upwards of $2000 or more depending on the location of the veterinary practice and the extent of eye damage. The overall health of the animal also comes into play when considering surgery, like how general anesthesia may affect the body during surgery.

For most pet parents on a budget, it may be tempting to simply order the prescription drops if you suspect cataracts in your lovable pupper, but it’s always best to contact a Board Certified veterinarian to give their professional opinion and help create a plan of action. It’s recommended that all pets go to the Vet at least once a year, and as your pet ages, it’s strongly recommended that they visit the doc every six months, because as pets age, their bodies and overall health conditions will deteriorate quicker.

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#Dogs #Cataracts #Veterinary #Veterinarian #Pets