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