| CANINE CATARACTS |
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 A cataract is the clouding or loss of transparency of the lens. The
lens of the eye is the critical focusing component of the eye. When
it becomes opaque or cloudy, enough light may not pass through it
and your pet’s vision may be impaired. Cataracts cause the pupil to
appear grey or white.
Cataracts are often confused with nuclear
sclerosis, or the normal aging of the lens, which does not usually
affect vision and is commonly seen in older dogs. Cataracts can be
genetically predetermined or have other secondary causes. Currently,
there is no way to test for genetic predisposition. Secondary causes
include uveitis and diabetes mellitus. |
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Clinical
Signs |
| The most common clinical sign of cataracts is the appearance of a
white or grey color behind the pupil. Other clinical signs include
partial or total loss of vision and avoidance of dark rooms or
hallways. |
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| Diagnosis |
| 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. |
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| Treatment |
| If the cataract is
secondary to another disease, treatment is directed at alleviating
the underlying cause. However, in most cases, there is no way to
reverse cataracts. In completely vision-impaired pets, a surgical
procedure to remove the lens and/or replace the lens with an
artificial lens may be recommended. |
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| Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. Günbil German shepherd dogs, worldclassgsd.com and or Günbil German shepherds, accepts no liability related to the veterinary advice and
information provided on this site regarding health matters. |
