Worried about a cataract in my dog

[Kay]

We have a vet appointment for tomorrow afternoon, and my vet will say for sure what it is, though I'm not sure what all can be done for cataracts? she is a 9 yr old boxer, also has atrial-fibrillation and hypo-thyroid, both of which she is on meds for. I'm assuming there is some sort of surgery for cataract removal? I'm wondering what are people's experiences with cataracts/treating cataracts ? I'm not sure I would want to put Ruby under anesthetic for cataract removal if she can live fine without the surgery, as she is already old and has enough problems I'm scared of losing her if she goes under anesthetic.

Any experiences with cataracts/the best options to treat cataracts are appreciated....thanks...

 

[Adrienne]

They can remove cataracts in dogs. They are sedated, a small incsion is placed on the lens of the eye and a vacuum is used to suck out the cataract. It is a quick and easy surgery but your dog must first have a test to ensure that the retina is till functional. To do this they will attach electrods around the eye, turn out the lights and flash a strobe like light into the eye, a printout on a computer will show if the retina is still responding to light. If it is then the cataract can be removed and the eyesight of the dog will improve, if not then surgery would be of no use.

If your dog does well w/ the cataracts then you could certainly leave them, most dogs function well with the remainder of their senses.

Hope that helps

 

[bubbatd]

I've had old Goldens with cataracts which never amounted to blindness .... therefore I never did anything. If your breed has a tendency to wards blindness, then yes, I'd consider removal. Only your ophthalmologist can advice you . I don't consider 10 as old ... just senior.

 

[Kay]

Thanks guys!

bubba, sorry, senior then, I'm just such a nervous wreck when my healthy, young animals are put under anesthetic (Even for something as simple as a neuter) That I really don't want to have to put her under unless it were a life or death situation.....So was hoping for other experiences/options that the vet may not reccomend but have worked for other people. It would just kill me if her heart gave out or she was lost under anesthetic for something like a cataract.

Thanks again.

 

[bubbatd]

Kay , I've had " seniors " put under at 13 and they lived on .I , at 73 , consider myself senior .... don't know when I'll be old ...

 

[Poppy]

I read about natural herbs/homeopathic remedies which have successfully and safley removed cataracts.

I can't remember which book it was but it was one the these two. These two books I highly recommend to be a part of any dog owners library.

The Complete Holistic Dog Book
by Jan Allegretti and Katy Sommers, DVM
or
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets
by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford & Gregory L. Tilford

Just to add Kay, I don't mind a person calling a senior dog "old". It also depends on the breed you have. A Golden or a Lab at 10 would not be considered old. But, a Great Dane, Newfoundland, Mastiff would be considered quite ancient at the age of 10