Cataracts in dogs and cats occur due to a wide variety of causes so it’s no surprise that they account for roughly 15% of referrals to specialist ophthalmologists.
The good news is that, just like in humans, cataracts can be safely surgically removed and sight restored. While some pets can cope with low vision or blindness, for most, cataract surgery is life-changing with significant improvements in quality of life.
What causes cataracts in dogs?
Most cataracts in purebred dogs are caused by genetics, with over 150 breeds affected. The most commonly affected breeds are Labrador retrievers, poodles, springer and cocker spaniels. These inherited cataracts can occur at a young age in some breeds including Staffordshire bull terriers, Boston terriers and French bulldogs.
The other main cause of cataracts in dogs is diabetes mellitus, where excess blood sugar levels cause water to disrupt the fibres of the lens, leading to a cloudy appearance. Dogs are particularly prone to diabetic cataracts, with over 80% of diabetic dogs developing cataracts within 16 months of diagnosis. Aging and diseased retinas can also result in cataracts.
What causes cataracts in Cats?
Feline cataracts can be the result of a wide variety of causes, including nutritional disorders, trauma, and metabolic disorders. They are most commonly
the result of inflammation in the eye. Unlike dogs, diabetic cataracts are very rare in cats.
Signs of cataracts
Cataracts are the result of disruption to the finely aligned fibres in the lens. The prevents light from passing through the lens and leads to the characteristic cloudy appearance.
The low level of light passing into the eye means that your pet may experience clouded, blurred or dim vision. You may notice that they are more sensitive to light or glare.
Like other causes of low vision, you may notice your pet bumping into furniture. However some blind animals will have memorised the layout of the home and appear to navigate static obstacles without issue. The giveaway with these pets is that, despite their confidence at home, they will be reluctant or anxious in unfamiliar environments and will bump into furniture that has been moved.
Due to inflammation cause by cataract formation, without treatment some cataracts can become painful. In some cases, your pet may experience discomfort and rub or paw at their eyes. In very severe cases you might even notice their eye is bulging. For this reason, assessment by a veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended to try to keep the eyes comfortable, even if you are not considering surgery.
Diagnosing cataracts
In most cases, your ophthalmologist will gather all the information required by asking you a detailed history. They may ask you about the above signs and when you first started to notice them. Your ophthalmologist will conduct a detailed physical examination to look for systemic causes of the cataract and may request specific tests to confirm.
They will then perform an ophthalmic examination which includes an examination of the external and internal structures of the eye and test the pressure within the eye.
One of the characteristic signs of the cataract is that light does not reflect normally from the back of your pet’s eye. Early cataracts can be easily missed without specialised equipment used by veterinary ophthalmologists. If you have any concerns about your pet’s vision or the appearance of their eyes consultation with a specialist ophthalmologist is key.
Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is very commonly performed at SASH. The aim of surgery is to remove the affected lens. We always aim to replace the abnormal lens
with a prosthetic lens which improves vision after surgery.
Using the latest advancements in cataract surgery, SASH is able to improve the outcomes using a technique called phaecoemulsification (from the Greek for lens ‘phaeko’ and emulsification which means which means ‘to milk out’). Phaecoemulsification uses ultrasound energy to ‘crack’ the lens and vacuum the fragments using fluid and suction.
Once the lens is removed, we may be able to insert a prosthetic IntraOcular Lens (IOL) which restores near and distant focusing. Even if an IOL is not appropriate, the removal of the lens will significantly restore your pet’s sight.
Although cataract surgery is regularly performed at SASH, like all procedures, it carries a degree of risk. Cataract surgery has an 85% long-term success rate
with 15% of dogs have vision or globe threatening complications following surgery.
The key to the successful management of such complications is early recognition and treatment. SASH is proud to be the only centre in NSW providing 24/7 emergency care with access to our veterinary ophthalmologists following surgery. In addition, after cataract surgery, it is common for patients to remain overnight for careful, 24/7 monitoring under the care of the specialist Critical Care team.
SASH takes all necessary precautions by being one of the only centres in NSW to provide support from both specialist Anaesthesia and specialist Critical
Care teams. They work closely with the specialist Ophthalmology team to maximise positive outcomes from these surgeries.
Outcomes from cataract surgery
Cataract surgery will usually provide a significant improvement to your pet’s vision which enhances your dog’s quality of life. Generally, owners will
notice that their pet is less anxious in unfamiliar settings as they are able to navigate obstacles again.
They may be more willing to play, and happier to interact with other pets and people. Most importantly, cataract surgery restores their ability to perceive many hazards, which can be life-saving.
If your pet has a cloudy eye and bumps into obstacles, especially at night, it is recommended that they be assessed by a veterinarian for cataracts. If cataract surgery has been determined to be a health or welfare concern, corrective surgery will be beneficial before the cataract matures, damaging the lens capsule and preventing placement of an IntraOcular Lens.
Peace of mind at SASH
Package inclusions:
- Initial consultation with a highly trained specialist SASH Ophthalmologist
- Pre-surgery ultrasound, diagnostics,
and planning - Customised plan and surgery, tailored
specifically for your pet - Specialist Anaesthetist oversight
- One night of hospitalisation, if required, with 24/7 care and Critical Care Specialist oversight
- Associated medication
- Three recheck consultations
- One cataract – $7840 incl GST ($340 consult + $7500 procedure)
- Two cataracts – $9840 incl GST ($340 consult + $9500 procedure)
- Diabetic patients – Additional $500 incl GST
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Your Ophthalmologist will advise whether cataract surgery is appropriate, or if there are other options to consider.
For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact SASH Central Coast, North Ryde, or Western Sydney.
Terms & conditions
Prices valid until the end of Jun 2025. Rechecks beyond the third are not included in the package and are payable at the time of consult. Packages valid only for scheduled elective cataract procedures and does not include emergency surgery. Although the vast majority of patients do not require extended hospitalisation, in the rare event of a complication, there may be additional fees not covered by the package. Risks of complications that will incur further fees will be discussed with you by the consulting Ophthalmologist. The package may be subject to change, but no procedures will be performed without the owner’s signed consent. Package inclusions may differ from hospital to hospital. Please contact your local SASH hospital for more details. The consulting SASH Ophthalmologist will advise whether or not cataract surgery is recommended for your pet after an initial consult. Initial consults are payable on the day of the consult, and the balance of the package fee is payable as determined by the SASH hospital.