What are cataracts in dogs?

Opacification of the lens — the natural transparent structure that focuses light onto the retina. Cataracts can be partial (reduced vision) or complete (blindness). The most common causes are hereditary, diabetic or age-related.

How can I tell if my dog has cataracts?

The most visible sign is a white or bluish reflection in the centre of the eye (the pupil). The dog may bump into furniture, be reluctant to go downstairs, seem disoriented in the dark or in unfamiliar places.

Can cataracts be treated without surgery?

No medication dissolves established cataracts. Some antioxidant eye drops (N-acetylcarnosine) may slow progression in early stages but cannot reverse formed cataracts. Phacoemulsification surgery is the only definitive treatment.

What is the prognosis after cataract surgery in dogs?

90-95 % of dogs regain functional vision after surgery. The best candidates are young dogs with immature cataracts and normal retinal function. Early surgery gives the best outcomes.

Dog Cataracts: Symptoms, Surgery and What to Expect

What Are Canine Cataracts?

The lens is the eye's natural transparent structure that focuses light onto the retina. In a cataract, its proteins denature and it becomes opaque, blocking or scattering incoming light. Cataracts are classified by maturity: incipient (<15 % affected, near-normal vision), immature (15-99 %, reduced vision), mature (100 % opaque, functional blindness) and hypermature (the lens liquefies, risk of protein-leaking uveitis).

Causes

Hereditary: the most common cause in dogs. Predisposed breeds include Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Boston Terrier, Labrador, Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky.
Diabetes mellitus: up to 75 % of diabetic dogs develop cataracts within 6-12 months of diagnosis — glucose accumulates in the lens and produces sorbitol, which draws in water and opacifies the lens.
Age-related: commonly confused with nuclear sclerosis (the lens turns bluish but vision is reasonably preserved — not a cataract).

Phacoemulsification Surgery

The standard technique: ultrasound fragments the opaque lens, which is then aspirated and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Performed under general anaesthesia, takes ~45-60 minutes per eye, and the dog usually goes home the same day. Requires eye drops (anti-inflammatory + antibiotic) for 4-8 weeks.

Pre-operative requirements: electroretinogram (ERG) to confirm retinal function — essential — plus ocular ultrasound to rule out retinal detachment.

Ideal candidate: immature or early mature cataract, intact retina, no active uveitis, dog in good general health.

Caring for a Vision-Impaired Dog

Keep furniture in the same position — blind dogs learn the layout of their space.
Use different-textured rugs to mark zone changes.
Bells on collars of companion dogs so they can be located by sound.
Walks on lead near obstacles; supervise in unfamiliar spaces.
Scent enrichment: blind dogs compensate with exceptional smell and hearing.