Cataracts in dogs

Cataracts develop when the normally clear lens inside your dog’s eye undergoes changes which results in reduced lens clarity. This can affect the dogs eyesight and, if the cataract gets worse, may eventually lead to blindness.

Cataracts can develop for several reasons, including ageing, inherited conditions, diabetes and injury. Some cataracts progress slowly, while others can develop quickly and require quick attention from your vet.

If your dog develops cataracts, veterinary care may involve eye examinations, monitoring, medication or surgery. Lifetime dog insurance can help towards the cost of treatment, particularly as eye conditions may require specialist investigations and ongoing care.

What are cataracts in dogs?

A cataract is when an opacity develops in the lens of your dog’s eye. The lens is usually clear and helps focus light onto the retina, allowing your dog to see. When a cataract forms, it changes the way light passes through the  lens and therefore how it is projected onto the retina.      

How much it affects your dog’s vision depends on the cataract’s size, position and severity. A small cataract may have no or very little visual impact, while a larger one can prevent light from reaching the retina and cause significant sight loss or complete blindness.

Cataracts aren’t the same as nuclear sclerosis, a common age-related change in older dogs. Although nuclear sclerosis can give the eyes a blue-grey appearance, it doesn’t usually have a significant effect on vision.

Causes of cataracts in dogs

Cataracts can develop in dogs for several different reasons. Some common causes include:

• Inherited cataracts passed down through certain breeds.
• Diabetes mellitus, which is one of the most common medical causes of cataracts in dogs.
• Age-related changes to the eye.
• Trauma or injury to the eye.
• Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis).
• Certain medications or toxic substances, although this is uncommon.
• Nutritional problems, particularly in very young puppies with poor diets.

Dogs with diabetes can develop cataracts because increased glucose levels in the blood can cause changes within the lens. Diabetic cataracts can develop quickly and may lead to significant vision loss over a relatively short period.

In some dogs, cataracts develop without an obvious cause.

Dog breeds commonly affected with cateracts

Any dog can develop cataracts, but some breeds seem to have an increased risk of inherited cataracts due to genetic factors. Some of the more popular breeds reported to have an increased risk include:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Poodles    
• Miniature Schnauzers
• Boston Terriers
• French Bulldogs
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• Siberian Huskies

However, cataracts can affect dogs of any breed, including crossbreeds. And having a breed that is considered higher risk doesn’t mean a dog will definitely develop cataracts.

Types of cataracts in dogs

Vets can describe cataracts in several ways, including when they develop, what caused them, where they are within the lens and how far they’ve progressed. This means a cataract may fit into more than one category.

Congenital cataracts

Congenital cataracts are present when a puppy is born. They may be inherited or caused by problems while the puppy is developing in the womb. Some remain small and have little effect on vision, while others can affect a puppy’s sight from an early age.

Juvenile cataracts

Juvenile cataracts develop in young dogs, usually before they reach middle age. They’re often inherited and are more common in certain breeds.

Age-related cataracts

Age-related cataracts develop as changes take place within the lens later in a dog’s life. 

Diabetic cataracts

Diabetic cataracts develop when high glucose levels cause changes within the lens. They can progress quickly, sometimes causing a sudden and significant loss of vision.

Traumatic cataracts

Traumatic cataracts can develop when an injury damages the lens, for example following an accident or a scratch.

Symptoms of cataracts in dogs

The signs of cataracts can vary depending on how advanced they are. Common symptoms of cataracts in dogs include:

• A cloudy, grey or white appearance in the eye.
• Difficulty seeing in dim light.
• Bumping into furniture or objects.
• Hesitating on stairs or unfamiliar surfaces.
• Reduced confidence when moving around.
• Changes in behaviour due to reduced vision.
• Pawing at or rubbing the eyes.
• Redness or discomfort around the eye.

Some dogs adapt well to gradual vision loss, especially if the condition develops slowly. If cataracts develop alongside inflammation or another eye condition, your dog may also show signs of pain, such as squinting or keeping the eye closed.

What to do if your dog shows signs of cataracts

If you notice cloudiness in your dog’s eyes or changes in their vision, arrange an appointment with your vet. They’ll examine your dog’s eyes using an ophthalmoscope or other specialist equipment. They may also check eye pressure to look for complications such as glaucoma.

Don’t use human eye drops or other treatments unless advised by your vet, as some products may be unsuitable for dogs or could worsen certain eye conditions.

If your dog has suddenly lost vision, appears painful or develops redness and swelling around the eye, seek veterinary advice promptly.

What age could you expect cataracts in your dog?

Because cataracts have many possible causes, they can develop in dogs of any age, depending on the underlying cause. Some inherited cataracts develop when dogs are young, while age-related cataracts are more commonly seen in older dogs. Diabetic cataracts can occur at any age if a dog develops diabetes, and they may progress quickly.

Regular eye checks can help identify changes early, particularly in dogs at increased risk.

How to manage cataracts in dogs

How cataracts are managed will depend on how much they’re affecting your dog’s sight and whether there’s an underlying cause, such as diabetes. Your vet may want to check your dog’s eyes regularly, treat any inflammation and keep related health conditions under control.

If your dog is struggling to see, a few simple changes at home can make life easier. Try keeping furniture in the same place, sticking to familiar routes and avoiding sudden changes to their surroundings. Dogs often adjust surprisingly well to gradual sight loss, as they also rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing.

Does pet insurance cover cataracts in dogs?

Depending on your policy, pet insurance may help with the cost of diagnosing and treating cataracts.

Agria Lifetime dog insurance can cover cataracts that develop after your policy starts, subject to a few conditions. This could help with the cost of things like vet appointments, tests, specialist referrals, medication and surgery. Lifetime policies, when renewed each year, can be especially helpful if your dog needs ongoing treatment.

However, as with most pet insurance policies, pre-existing conditions aren’t usually covered. So, if your dog had signs of cataracts before the policy started, you may not be able to claim for related treatment.

It’s always worth checking your policy documents to see exactly what’s covered.

Cataracts treatment options

How cataracts are treated depends on what caused them, how advanced they are and how much they’re affecting your dog’s quality of life.

Small cataracts that aren’t causing problems with their sight may simply need regular monitoring. If their vision is affected, surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one may be an option.

However, surgery isn’t suitable for every dog, so your vet may carry out tests to check the health of the eye and make sure the retina is working properly. Dogs that have surgery will also need eye medication and follow-up appointments while they recover. Any underlying health problems, such as diabetes, will usually need to be well managed too.

When to speak to a vet

You should contact your vet if your dog:

• Develops cloudy, grey or white areas in their eyes.
• Seems to have difficulty seeing.
• Starts bumping into objects or becoming hesitant in unfamiliar places.
• Shows signs of eye discomfort, such as squinting or rubbing their eyes.
• Develops sudden behavioural changes
• Has redness, swelling or discharge from the eye.

Early veterinary assessment can help identify whether cataracts are present and whether there’s an underlying condition that needs treatment.

While cataracts can affect a dog’s eyesight, many dogs continue to enjoy a good quality of life with the right support and care.