Unfortunately, dogs with diabetes are predisposed to developing cataracts , with approximately 80% of diabetics losing vision within 1 year of the diagnosis. Diabetic cataracts form rapidly, and if left untreated, they can be devastating for the eye.
How common are cataracts in diabetic dogs?
In diabetics, 50% of dogs will develop cataracts within 6 months of diagnosis, 75% within a year, and 80% within 16 months (Beam et al, 1999). It is therefore extremely important in this disease to educate clients, monitor the lens for cataract formation, and refer patients at an appropriate time.
Why do diabetic dogs develop cataracts?
Diabetic cataracts develop in dogs due to an increase in the amount of glucose reaching the lens . Once the usual pathway for glucose metabolism is saturated, glucose is shunted towards an alternative pathway which results in the accumulation of sorbitol, a sugar that does not readily diffuse across the lens capsule.
Can a dog with diabetic cataracts see anything?
CAN MY DOG’S VISION BE RESTORED? The answer is “maybe.” It depends on the health of the eye excluding the cataract. If the only thing wrong with the eye is the cataract and the patient’s diabetes mellitus is well regulated, surgery can be performed to remove the cataract and place an artificial lens .
What is the average life expectancy of a diabetic dog?
The median survival for dogs with diabetes is two years , and there are many who live much longer than that, provided that they receive proper treatment and are regularly assessed by the vet. Thus, dogs with diabetes generally live a full, happy life that is free of symptoms when given the proper treatment.
How fast can dogs go blind from diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus Induced Mature Cataract. The majority of dogs with diabetes mellitus will develop cataracts within 5-6 months from the time of diagnosis of the disease. Diabetes induced cataracts can develop remarkably quickly and can cause a complete loss of vision in less than 48 hours .
How do diabetic dogs prevent cataracts?
Kinostat is an aldose reductase inhibitor that curtails sorbitol production . Early use of Kinostat may significantly delay or even completely prevent the development of cataracts. Kinostat is a preventive only and will not reverse cataract formation that has already occurred.
What are symptoms of cataracts in dogs?
- Changes in eye color or changes in pupil size or shape.
- Cloudy pupils in one or both eyes.
- Clumsiness.
- Difficulty seeing in dimly lit areas.
- Reluctance to climb or jump.
- Rubbing or scratching of the eyes.
How do I stop my diabetic dog from going blind?
- Diabetic dogs can live healthy lives. ...
- Another very important recommendation is that if your diabetic dog is started on a special canine antioxidant vision supplement called Ocu-GLOTM , BEFORE they develop cataracts, blindness can be prevented in many of these dogs.
What complications can diabetes cause in dogs?
- Cataracts (leading to blindness)
- Enlarged liver.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Seizures.
- Kidney failure.
Can insulin make my dog go blind?
Sources. The medical term for critically low levels of sugar in the blood is hypoglycemia, and it is often linked to diabetes and an overdose of insulin. Most diabetic dogs will develop cataracts and go blind .
Should a dog get cataract surgery?
Once cataracts develop in a dog’s eyes, there are no medical treatments that can reverse the cataract. In order to restore vision, cataracts must be removed surgically under general anesthesia .
At what age do dogs develop cataracts?
Hereditary cataracts, Fife says, tend to form in dogs at a young age— between 1 and 5 years old .
Are cataracts painful for dogs?
Cataracts can be painful or uncomfortable for your pooch . Discomfort is caused by the inflammation that often accompanies cataracts as the protein structure of the lens changes. Inflammation of the eye, if left untreated, may also lead to glaucoma which is very painful for dogs.
Should a 14 year old dog have cataract surgery?
Just because your dog has a cataract does not mean it needs to be removed . If cataract surgery is not done, your dog might do just fine. Many times cataracts are small and will not hamper your dog’s vision. Cataract surgery is not a lifesaving surgery.
Should I put my diabetic dog down?
Some people may ask, “If my dogs has diabetes, should I put him down?” The answer is no . Dogs with diabetes can live a happy life without any symptoms of their disease, but it does require effort on your part. If you are able to give your dog insulin, diabetes may not affect life expectancy.
What is the progression of diabetes in dogs?
In dogs, it is generally thought to be an immune mediated disease with gradual destruction of beta cells. The progression from normal, to glucose intolerant, to diabetes, is generally slow so that most islets (over 90%) are lost before diabetes occurs.
How can I help my dog with cataracts?
There are no known remedies that can reverse the forming of a cataract — surgery is the only option for cataracts once they have formed . Cataracts are removed with a surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The lens is removed, and the veterinarian replaces it with a lens made from plastic or acrylic.
Is it cruel to keep a blind dog?
Surprisingly, some people think it’s cruel to keep a blind dog, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Dogs don’t have nearly as good vision as humans, in general, so being blind really doesn’t affect them too much .
Does diabetes affect a dog’s eyes?
In our canine patients there are several recognized ocular diseases associated with diabetes as well: Diabetic cataracts: This is the most common and important manifestation of diabetes in dogs . As the levels of sugar rises in the blood, the sugar within the aqueous humor is also increased.
