A Canine Cataract May Be Congenital
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by: dogvision
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A canine cataract results from a rise in the insoluable protein levels of a dogs lens. That lens normally exists in the dehydrated state of 66 percent water to 33 percent protein maintained by a biomechanical sodium water pump system. If this pumping system is damaged or disrupted, excess water collects and increases the amount of insoluable protein in the lens. Any such increase disrupts the fibers of the lens or its protective capsule, causing loss of lens transparency, vision reduction and cataract development. A canine cataract often appears white or similar to crushed ice.
A dogs age when he develops a canine cataract determines the type of canine cataract and whether heredity has played a part in its development. A congenital canine cataract exists at birth and generally appears in both eyes. It is not always hereditary and may result from in utero exposure to infections or toxins. An early onset canine cataract develops when a dog is young, may be hereditary and may develop as the result of trauma, diabetes mellitus, or exposure to toxins or infectious agents. A senile, or late onset, canine cataract develops in dogs six years of age and older.
A hereditary canine cataract can develop on its own or simultaneously with another eye disease. Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic cause of canine cataracts, though. Through diabetes related metabolic processes, excess water is drawn to the lens and breaks down the lens fiber, leading to cataract formation. Canine cataracts form quickly in unregulated dogs and often develop in both eyes.
Surgical removal of the affected lens is the only available canine cataract treatment. Several different surgical techniques are available. The surgeon may choose removal of the lens and surrounding capsule, removal of the lens without the capsule, phacoemulsification, and aspiration and dessication. However, not every canine cataract patient is a good surgical candidate. Diabetic dogs not yet regulated, aggressive and difficult to treat dogs and dogs in poor or failing health will not make good candidates.
Canine cataracts are often confused with the condition known as nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis, which appears as a graying of the lens, normally occurs in both eyes of a senior dog six years of age and older. Linear lens fibers compress and cause transparency loss but do not adversely affect vision quality. See also Dog cataract surgery |
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