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Question

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Submitted: 760 days ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Age: 10; Female; Breed: pitt/lab

Already Tried:
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Posted by Deborah 759 days and 23 hours ago.

Answer

Hello,

The treatment for removal of cataracts in dogs is the same as in humans. Once formation of a cataract has begun, most will progress to obscure vision completely, although it is difficult to predict how quickly that will happen.

http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/cataract.htm#treated

While leaving a cataract in the eye of a dog is the owner's choice, it is important to understand that the cataract has the potential to be a source of inflammation. As the cataract worsens, it can leak proteins. The dog's body then recognizes these proteins as a foreign substance and mounts an immune response against them, causing inflammation. Your dog cataracts should be monitored carefully for signs of inflammation and may need to be medicated periodically for the rest of their lives.

As your dog has cataracts, you will have to decide if you think you may want to restore the her vision. If so, it is best to do so early, while the cataract is immature. The best success with cataract surgery occurs when the cataracts are first diagnosed treated as early as possible.

My Westie will be having cataract surgery next week. She developed cataracts as she is Diabetic.   My neighbors dog, "Joey', Boston Terrier had cataracts removed from both eyes last October and he did very well.

Discuss your questions and concerns in depth with your girl's vet as he or she knows the overall health of your dog and can best advise you.   If you are still not comfortable with the surgery, obtain a second opinion from a veterinary ophthalmologist if need be.

Click on the links I have provided to learn more. I will check back to see what questions or concerns you may have.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=407

759 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

My question is the following: Is there an alternative method to surgery to the dissolution of canine cataracts?

Accepted Answer

No, surgery as mentioned in the website links as provided above is the only proven method that is utilized to safely remove cataracts from dogs.

Fortunately, cataract removal is one of the safest, most effective and most common surgical procedures.

The only effective treatment for a cataract is surgery to remove the clouded lens, which usually includes replacing the lens with a clear lens implant in some dogs. Sometimes cataracts are removed without reinserting implant lenses, but surgical approach is the only method. No alternative methods are available.   Beware of any natural treatments or other intevention as it could prove harmful.Deborah39496.6345657407

Expert: Deborah
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 143
Answered: 2/18/2008

Animal Rescue Worker

Breeder of West Highland White Terriers, Pet Emergency Preparedness/FEMA Contra Costa County

759 days and 18 hours ago.

Reply

Thank -you!

759 days and 18 hours ago.

Reply

Are there any places that provide financal assistance?

Posted by Deborah 759 days and 15 hours ago.

Answer

Most vets take credit cards and some arrange financial arrangements based on credit.

Click on the links below to learn more.

http://thepetfund.com/financial.htm

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/what_you_can_do_if_you_are_having_trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

http://www.imom.org/

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