A Canine Cataract is a Breakdown of Lens Fiber
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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. When this system is disrupted or damaged, excess water collects in the lens and the amount of insoluable protein increases. Any increase in insoluable protein disrupts the normal arrangement of the fibers of the lens or its surrounding capsule, causing loss of lens transparency, reduction of vision and cataract formation. A canine cataract often appears white or similar to crushed ice.
The age at which a dog develops a canine cataract plays an important part in determining what type of canine cataract it is and whether heredity is an influential factor 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. Senile, or late onset, canine cataracts form in dogs who are six years of age or older.
A hereditary canine cataract may either occur on its own or in connection with another eye disease. However, diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic cause of canine cataract formation. Through diabetes related metabolic processes, excess water is drawn to the lens and breaks down the lens fiber, leading to cataract formation. This process occurs quickly in an unregulated dog and frequently affects both eyes.
Surgical removal of the affected lens is the only available canine cataract treatment. Veterinary surgeons use one of several different surgical techniques to remove a canine cataract. The surgeon may decide to remove both the lens and its surrounding capsule, remove the lens without its capsule, or perform either phacoemulsification or aspiration and dessication. Not every patient makes a good candidate for surgery, however. Unregulated diabetic dogs, aggressive dogs and dogs in poor or failing health are not good candidates.
The condition known as nuclear sclerosis is often confused with a canine cataract. Nuclear sclerosis appears as a graying of the lens and typically occurs in both eyes of senior dogs six years of age or older. Linear lens fibers compress and cause transparency loss but do not adversely affect vision quality. Similar topics Dog cataract surgery |
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