Can Diabetes Make A Dog Go Blind?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 can I tell if my diabetic dog is going blind?

  • Cloudy eyes.
  • White spots on the eyes.
  • Bumping into things.
  • Hesitation when navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places.
  • Anxiety when in new environments.
  • Avoidance of stairs.
  • No longer jumping on/off furniture.
  • Redness and swelling on or around the eyes.

How do I stop my diabetic dog from going blind?

  1. Diabetic dogs can live healthy lives. …
  2. 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 causes sudden dog blindness?

Sudden blindness in dogs can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS), retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma

.

How fast can a diabetic dog go blind?

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 long can a blind diabetic dog live?

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.

When should I put my diabetic dog down?

  1. Chronic vomiting.
  2. Weight loss.
  3. Lack of appetite.
  4. Lethargy.
  5. Disinterest in things they once enjoyed.
  6. Chronic diarrhea.
  7. Urinating around the house.
  8. Constant UTI’s.

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

.

What does a dog’s eye look like when they go blind?

Your dog is suddenly unwilling to go up or down stairs, or jump onto furniture which they normally did. Eyes are

red, puffy or swollen

. Obvious eye irritation or pawing at face. If your dog seems confused, dazed, easily startled.

Can dogs go blind quickly?


Dogs with SARDS appear to go blind very quickly, over a period of days to weeks

. Some owners report periods of time where their dog still appears to have some small degree of vision, but most dogs seem to be completely blind.

How do you treat a blind dog suddenly?

For dogs who have lost their sight,

maintaining routines as much as possible can help them adjust

. Keep your furniture in the same spots to make it easier for your dog to navigate your home. If you redecorate, or when you bring your dog to a new place, bring them carefully around the area to show them obstructions.

Can sudden blindness in dogs be reversed?

If two dogs are any indication,

veterinary researchers may have found a cure for a previously incurable disease that causes dogs to go blind suddenly

. In the past six weeks, two dogs have been successfully treated for sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Can blind dogs be left alone?

The Bottom Line On Leaving A Blind Dog Alone


Your blind dog can safely spend time by himself

. He will quickly adapt to his loss of eyesight and find new ways to map out his world. As with any big change, it will take time and patience for both of you to properly adjust.

How does a dog act when they have diabetes?

The most common symptoms of canine diabetes are:

Increased or abnormal hunger or thirst

. Weight loss. Frequent urination (some dogs have accidents in the house)

What happens if diabetes in dogs goes untreated?

If left untreated, the condition can lead to

cataracts, increasing weakness in the legs (neuropathy), malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration, and death

. Diabetes mainly affects middle-age and older dogs, but there are juvenile cases.

Are eggs good for diabetic dogs?


Yes, eggs are good for a diabetic dog

because they are a good protein source and won’t cause a rise in blood sugar levels. A healthy, nutritious and balanced diet is one of the keys to overall health.

Should you be with your dog when it is put to sleep?


There’s no right or wrong answer

. It’s a personal matter for each pet owner. The goal is to keep your friend with you for as long as they are comfortable, but let them go if they are in pain.

How do I tell my dog goodbye?

  1. Give your pet a day to remember. …
  2. Spend time reflecting. …
  3. Plan a burial or cremation. …
  4. Surround yourself with support. …
  5. Talk to your vet. …
  6. Pet loss grief support. …
  7. Live in the moment. …
  8. Complete unfinished business.

How do you know when a dog is near the end of life?

  1. The Dog is in Pain and Discomfort. …
  2. The Dog Has a Loss of Appetite. …
  3. The Dog is Showing Lack of Interest in Favorite Activities. …
  4. Incontinence and Decreased Grooming. …
  5. The Dog Has a Loss of Mobility. …
  6. There are More Bad Days Than Good Days.

Can a blind dog see light?

Kristen Murdock, a foster dog mom with Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, says the best way to help a blind dog is to get to know its personality and limitations.

Some dogs can see shadows and light, but their depth perception is off.

Why do older dogs go blind?

There are many causes of vision loss in older dogs, including

glaucoma and macular degeneration

. One of the more probable causes is a cataract, when the lens of the eye is clouded over. A cataract will appear as a hazy, opaque white growth over the eye and often goes hand-in-hand with other illnesses, such as diabetes.

Can a dog’s eyesight be restored?

Is Blindness In Dogs Treatable? Whether a dog’s loss of vision can be successfully treated or not depends on the cause and the extent of the damage.

Vision can often be improved in diabetic dogs by administering insulin and keeping blood glucose levels even

. Cataracts can be removed and restore partial or full vision.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.