cataract problems in dogs

[tuna]

I have found out today that my 9yr old little jack russell has a cataract in one of her eyes wich the vet has said that she is almost blind in that eye and also there is one forming in her other eye, i was shocked as she is such a live wire he wants her too see an eye specialist in stockport to do the investagations and operation, we do not have pet insurance but will get the money together as she is part of the family. has anybody had simalar problems with cataracts with a dog? many thanks tuna

[Carakeel]

I had friends in Germany who had a lovely mongrel (Golden Retriever / Irish Setter mix) She had both eyes operated on for cataracts when she was 11 years old. I have to say she was totally healthy otherwise though. After her op she went back to being like a younger dog again and lived to the ripe age of 17. I don't know what it cost to have done, but whatever the costs were it was certainly worth it! I really hope all goes well for you and your dog. Best wishes.

[wolf63]

your dog will probably be okay if you don't have it done so don't put yourself in debt over this operation.

I was lucky that my cat didn't go totally blind until the last few months of his life. He was adjusting well to the loss of sight and had he not taken some epileptic fits he would still be here, toddling around happily.

Good luck whatever you do.

[Kimmiebear]

Getting eye surgery may not be the best option for you however many dogs recover well and go back to their old selves. It is a lovely change as cataracts are uncomfortable. Your eye specialist will advise you as to your best options so make sure you ask him or her questions like what anesthesia. What are they going to do because she is older? What kind of recovery are you looking at? What are the risks? Is it in her best intrest to have both eyes done, or only one? I have never assisted a cateract surgery, but the eye surgeries I have been in on have all been really interesting. Most dogs are uncomfortable and confused when they wake up as there can be some mucsal membrane swelling and tenderness, or there eyes are still dialated or "frozen". Sometimes this doesn't happen and they wake up perfectly like any other surgery. Because she is so active then I think you should go for it and watch the results.

[tuna]

hi thanks for the feedback about cataracts everone .I think we may be a bit confused why are local vet tells us that he does not do cataract ops and she will have to go elswere to have this op done,so we are going to get a opinion of another local vet whom were hopin can do it at the surgery

[lankeela]

Here's a link which answers most questions:

http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/cataract .htm

[lankeela]

Although the link I posted was from an American Vet,
even in this country eye operations are usually performed by vets specially trained in eye conditions. I know one very experienced eye specialist in Lancashire, Mr. Stuart Ellis, although I think he is in the Preston area. He is the leading 'panellist' on the KC/BVA/ISDS Eye Scheme.

[counsellor]

my dog was born with cataract in both eyes and is now 11 years old, when i first took him to the vets after i got him they said he wouldnt have any quality of life and we should put him down.... i'm so glad i didnt he's lovely. nothing bothers him and he find his way round perfect even if we move something! he's also great with the kids, much to Staffordshire Bull Terrier haters disbelief.....

[lankeela]

Sorry to hijack this thread. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have got the nickname 'the nanny dog' because they are usually so good with children.

Fortunately, there is now no need for any Staff to ever be born with Hereditary Cataracts again, because there is a DNA test which the parents can have before being bred from. This will determine whether the dog/bitch is a carrier of the condition, affected or clear of it. Anyone buying a Staff puppy should make sure the parents are tested.
There is also a test for Staffs for L2-HGA which is an auto immune disease. Again parents should be tested before being bred from to prevent suffering in puppies.

Current figures for testing show that for the L2-HGA test there have been 1808 dogs tested as normal, 261 carriers and 18 affected. For HC there are 1151 normal, 52 carriers and 0 affected. (The L2-HGA test was available about six months before the HC one.)

This gives puppy buyers a good choice of puppies from tested parents, and information on responsible breeders who do the tests can be obtained from any of the 18 breed clubs spread throughout the UK.