I think Jake has a cataract

[stacwase]

The light from the window hit Jake's eye at just the right angle today, and I can swear that I saw the beginnings of a cataract in his left eye. The lens was just a little milky.

I went to the blind dogs forum and read up on cataracts a little. Most of the people on there had very discouraging things to say about cataract surgery - dogs developing glaucoma from it and losing their eyes.

Do any of you have experience with doggie cataract surgery?

I might be jumping the gun here. Maybe it's not a cataract at all. We're going to the vet tomorrow.

[ramanth]

Not familier with cataracts, but I hope Jake is okay.

[mruffruff]

My dog developed cataracts five years ago. The vet told me about them but didn't make it seem too important. Unwisely, I let it slide. When he developed diabetes shortly after that exam, I was too concerned with getting him regulated to worry about his eyes.

While I was "busy" with all the other stuff, his cataracts grew back into his pupils and surgery became impossible. He later developed glaucoma but it had nothing to do with the cataracts. Since he was never going to see, I had his eyes removed so he wouldn't have any more pain.

There are several people on the Ezboard diabetic dog board that have had good results with cataract removal. They'll be the first to tell you the surgery is expensive.

On the other hand, it could just be a trick of the lighting. If your vet says he has cataracts, a trip to a veterinarian opthamologist would be a good idea.

Bear is totally blind and does real well. He does most of the things he used to do, just a little slower. But then he is 13.

If Jake is due for a check up in the next couple of months, you can ask about his eyes, but it doesn't sound like there's anything to worry about.

Mary

[stacwase]

Thanks, Mary!

Actually his checkup was already scheduled for tomorrow, so I'm going to have his eyes looked at then.

I didn't know cataracts could do that! I know that in people they don't - because I used to work for an opthalmologist. I guess I should never assume that dog conditions are the same as human conditions.

He's only 7 1/2. He's a sheltie, so he could live to be 16. I'd hate for him to be blind for over half his life. He's really showing his age a lot lately. His arthritis is acting up today, for the first time in about 6 months. Poor guy!

[tatsxxx11]

I have no experience with doggie cataracts. My Jing at age 12, had not yet developed them. I sure do hope the vet can offer some encouraging news. You have caught them early, so hopefully that will be the case. thinking of you and Jake! Please let us know how the visit goes.

Mary, your Bear sounds like quite the pup!

[mruffruff]

He's a smart little guy. Even though he can't see, he can jump up on the couch, navigate 2 doggy doors and 4 steps to go outside, and doesn't take anything from the other dogs. He's shown me that a handicap doesn't have to be a limitation.

Mary

[wolf_Q]

I don't know how true this is but I remember reading in Dog Fancy a long time ago that a little clouding of the eyes is normal for aging dogs, and not necessarily cataracts.

[stacwase]

Originally posted by wolf_Q
I don't know how true this is but I remember reading in Dog Fancy a long time ago that a little clouding of the eyes is normal for aging dogs, and not necessarily cataracts.

Well that is certainly reassuring! I hope that's all it is.

[Sudilar]

Here's a little bit of info on Canine Cataracts . Good luck at the vet.

[stacwase]

WolfQ was right! It was just clouding due to aging. Typical me - I jumped to conclusions, started freaking out over nothingl.

[Sudilar]

Wooohoooo! Glad Jake is ok!!!!!!!!

[ScoobyDoo-Doo]

Thanks for putting that link to the cataract site. My recent adopted dog "Dirtnap" has cataracts and a drainy eye. He is an 10 year old Eskimo Spitz. I noticed it as soon as I saw met him. I have been told that the surgery is over $2,000 per eye!!!
He flinches anytime you try to reach for him. I don't think he sees very well. It may be shadows that he sees. I am patient with him and understand to approach slowly. His one eye constantly has "Goo" coming out of it. My vet gave me nothing for it. It is red in color and stains under his eye. I just take a tissue and wipe it off once a day. I do notice him trying to rub at his eyes occassionally.
All in all Dirtnap is doing great!!! Hope yours does well as well.

[Pam]

Well I work for an ophthalmologist (a human eye doctor) and I just wanted to calm your fears a little. Cataracts are something that we will all probably develop if we live long enough. They are normally referred to as "age-related cataracts" and that is because most cases of cataracts are simply due to the aging process. I have had dogs that have lived into their teens and was told that they had advancing cataracts.

Most people do nothing about it because the cost is prohibitive and at the time of diagnosis they unfortunately do not have that many years left. I had a friend from work, many years ago, whose standard poodle developed them at an earlier age and chose to have the surgery. The choice is ultimately yours. Please don't feel badly if you choose not to proceed. Dogs, and people for that matter, with cataracts do quite well. The problem with people is that some of them continue to drive and that is often a problem.