Cataracts

 

A cataract is an opacity in the lens of a dog’s eye, causing him to have blurry vision. If the cataract is small, it won’t likely disturb the dog’s vision too much, but cataracts must be monitored because the thicker and denser they become, the more likely it is they will lead to blindness.

There are a number of types of cataracts, including congenital (at birth); development (early onset); senile (late onset); and inherited. Trauma and diabetes also may contribute to cataract formation.

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Symptoms:  If your dog’s eyes look cloudy or bluish-gray, you should take him to the vet for an exam. Be aware, though, that it’s natural for a dog’s lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. This condition, called nuclear sclerosis, doesn’t put a dog’s vision in as much danger as cataracts might, and treatment isn’t usually recommended. However, any cloudiness at all in your pet’s eye is a sign for you to take him to the vet.

Treatment Options:  Surgery

 Known Mode of Inheritance:  Not defined in the Cardigan

 Age of onset:  Varies; the age of onset is determined by the type of cataract

Breeds affected: 

• Cardigan: yes
• Pembroke: yes
• Other Breeds: yes

 

Incidence in Cardigans:  unknown, appears to be small based on breeder survey (OFA)

 Registry:  Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

 Tests Available:  Physical exam

Published papers and Articles:

• Blue Book of Ocular Diseases
• Prevalence of primary breed-related cataracts

 

Discussion Groups: 

• Blind Dog Support
• Facebook Group: Blind Dog Support

 Websites:  

• Cataracts in Dogs
• Cataracts from MarVista Vet
• What is a cataract?
• American College of Veterinary Ophthamologists