Due to the small number of untreated dogs (group 1), the ability to analyze these data was limited. However, due to the presence of lens-induced uveitis for all stages of cataract, untreated inflammation could have led to the development of complications requiring enucleation or evisceration and intrascleral prosthesis. This hypothesis is supported by previous work that documents phacolytic uveitis as one of the most common causes of secondary glaucoma, which was one of the more common complications in the untreated eyes (10,20). Given the poor outcomes for all affected eyes, it is apparent that anti-inflammatory treatment is the minimum accepted standard for dogs diagnosed with cataracts.
The sex (P = 0.31) of the dog and the location of the affected eye (P = 0.78) were not associated with the rate of failure for any group. Other factors not associated with the rate of failure for any group in this sample (P > 0.25) ( ) included preexisting vitreous degeneration (P = 0.77), glaucoma after diagnosis and treatment (P = 0.31), retinal detachment (P = 0.89), postoperative vitreous disease (P = 0.41), and postoperative uveitis (P = 0.94).
A total of 44 dogs (77 eyes) met the inclusion criteria for the study ( ). There were 21 male and 23 female dogs that were presented at an average age of 8.0 y [standard deviation (s) = 3.8]. Breeds included purebred and mixed breed cocker spaniels (n = 8), toy and miniature poodles (n = 6), bichon frisés (n = 6), Boston terriers (n = 3), shih tzus (n = 3), Labrador retrievers (n = 3), Yorkshire terriers (n = 3), miniature schnauzers (n = 3), border collie (n = 1), Chihuahua (n = 1), English springer spaniel (n = 1), Siberian husky (n = 1), Jack Russell terrier (n = 1), rottweiler (n = 1), German shepherd (n = 1), Lhasa apso (n = 1), and silky terrier (n = 1).
The lower success rate in dogs receiving medical therapy was expected. Secondary glaucoma occurs more frequently in eyes with cataract than in eyes that have undergone phacoemulsification (10,20). It is thought that approximately 20% of cataractous eyes will develop glaucoma (10). Medical treatment is aimed at reducing phacolytic uveitis, present at all stages of cataract, but cannot eliminate it because the underlying cause remains (10,16,18). Further, medical treatment does not inhibit secondary changes such as preiridal fibrovascular membrane formation (21). Intraocular pathology related to chronic uveitis would therefore be expected to increase with cataract progression and over time. Although not specifically examined in this study, owner compliance with recheck examinations may also have played a role in the decreased success rate of medical management. Owners of dogs undergoing surgery are typically highly motivated and are extensively counseled on the importance of intensive postoperative monitoring for maintaining vision. By contrast, owners of blind dogs may not see the value of administering medications long-term and re-examination of these dogs may be less often than for dogs that have undergone surgery. This hypothesis may be supported by the follow-up times in this study, which were highest for group 3 (2.5 y), followed by group 2 (1.9 y), and group 1 (0.92 y).
Medical records of dogs diagnosed with cataracts at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine between 1995 and 2005 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion in the study were the following: examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist with confirmation of the diagnosis by complete ophthalmic examination including tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy; and a diagnosis of immature, mature, or hypermature cataracts. Dogs were excluded from the study if lens luxation and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous/tunica vasculosa lentis were present at the time of initial examination. Dogs were also excluded from the study if medical records indicated less than 6 months’ follow-up by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Will my dog be able to see after cataract surgery?
Many dogs will have some vision restored by the very next day, but typically it will take a few weeks for vision to settle as the eye adjusts to the effects of surgery and the presence of the artificial lens. Provided that the rest of the eye is in good working order, for dogs, the cataract surgery success rate is about 90% at the 1-year mark and 80% 2 years after surgery.
The key to successful long-term outcomes is good post-operative care and regular visits to the veterinarian for eye examinations and monitoring, following surgery and through your dogs life.
What is the process for cataract surgery in dogs?
Each veterinary hospital will do things a little differently however, in most cases, you will drop your dog off either the morning of surgery or the night before. Your vet will provide you with detailed instructions regarding feeding and care leading up to surgery day. Be sure to follow your vets instructions carefully.
Cataract Surgery for Your Pet | What to Expect | MedVet Veterinary Ophthalmology
Cataracts can result in blurred vision and eventual blindness for dogs, but surgery can help to restore sight in many cases. Here our Cordova vets share a little about cataract surgery for dogs, and what you can expect when your dog goes in to have cataract surgery.
Within each of your dog’s eyes there is a lens, much like the lens of a camera. This lens works to focus your pets vision in order to provide clear sight. A cataract is an opacification or cloudiness that can occur on all or part of the lens, which interferes with a clear being focused on the retina, and hampers your dogs ability to see clearly.