I had a dog with cataracts. I did not have it removed. At that time, which was about 13 years ago it was $800.00 for the operation, and there was no guarantee it wouldn't develop again. I did not have it removed. The dog is in no pain from the cataract and can learn to compensate for the loss of vision (sort of like looking through a window curtain sheer). In some cases the cataract may even break apart on it's own.