Early onset cataracts

[spreeville]

I have a miniature daschund, who is currently living with my sister. She is 5 years old and she slowly started developing cataracts a few months ago. I'm not actually calling them early onset, but my vet did. My concern is the actual surgery and recovery. I heard that surgery can do more harm than good, does anyone know if this is true? I don't want to get her the surgery and have her suffer worse over the effects. She pretty much can't see anything out of her right eye, so I'm sure surgery is an absolute must!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

I have no idea about the success rates on this type of surgery.

A web search may help you.

This is a prime reason to purchase dogs from responsible breeders. Almost ALL breeders in almost all breeds do eye testing to make sure they are not breeding dogs who might produce problems down the line.

You can also find out more about inherited eye conditions in dogs at the Canine Eye Registry Foundation's website.

 

[LauraLeigh]

I have no idea about the success rates on this type of surgery.

A web search may help you.

This is a prime reason to purchase dogs from responsible breeders. Almost ALL breeders in almost all breeds do eye testing to make sure they are not breeding dogs who might produce problems down the line.url=http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html]website.[/url]

Just a quick point on that..... My girl Di is blind, her parents are both CERF clear. It is not a guarantee because CERF does not tell you if they are carriers. Your odds are much better however buying from breeders who test, though sometimes even they produce cataracts... I just don't want anyone to assume that a blind dog must be an ill bred dog.

As to the OP, I decided not to go through with the surgery for a few reasons, and I just want to let you know my girl has adapted so well that you would NEVER know she was blind unless you move something, many times I myself think, she MUST be able to see something even though I know she can't... So if you decide to not to do the surgery she may adjust just fine!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Thanks for the clarification, LL. In Rottweilers we don't have any genetic eye tests available, so we have no way of knowing if a dog is a carrier or not.

The other thing you usually get from responsible breeders who do health testing is support if/when anything like this crops up.

So sorry to hear about Di. It is good to know she had adapted so well.

 

[LauraLeigh]

Thanks for the clarification, LL. In Rottweilers we don't have any genetic eye tests available, so we have no way of knowing if a dog is a carrier or not.

The other thing you usually get from responsible breeders who do health testing is support if/when anything like this crops up.

So sorry to hear about Di. It is good to know she had adapted so well.

No trouble.. Di is a sweetie, and in the end I made the choice that I had to. I would love to see the day we can do a test to determine carriers.

You are bang on about support though, I am still available anytime to any of my puppy owners and I have not bred a litter in several years!

 

[salask]

I have a miniature daschund, who is currently living with my sister. She is 5 years old and she slowly started developing cataracts a few months ago. I'm not actually calling them early onset, but my vet did. My concern is the actual surgery and recovery. I heard that surgery can do more harm than good, does anyone know if this is true? I don't want to get her the surgery and have her suffer worse over the effects. She pretty much can't see anything out of her right eye, so I'm sure surgery is an absolute must!

Bubba had cataracts removed from both his eyes. I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not but his cataracts was due to diabetes. Although he doesn't have perfect vision, he has sight back. His surgery and recovery went very well - he healed beautifully and don't regret it one bit. Had I not done the surgery, the ophthalmologist said he was on the verge of developing glaucoma and glaucoma is not reversible. Also - she mentioned glaucoma is painful at times for the dog but i haven't researched it so i can't actually say it's true. But if you do decide to move forward with the surgery - make sure you follow all your vets instructions to a T. Good luck!