Cataract at 2 years old

[rusky]

Leia has developed a cataract in her left eye. The vet said it's not diabetes but didn't say if it was hereditary or not.

The insurance will (hopefully) cover the operation but it's sad knowing she can't see much from this eye & has got to go through surgery.

Can anyone share their experiences with a cataract & associated surgery please?

[Oscar 12345]

So sorry to hear about Leia Russell. I don't have any experience of cataracts in young dogs so can be of no help I'm afraid. I hope the surgery goes well and Leia makes a full recovery.

[zeta1454]

Hi Russell - sorry to hear that Leia has a cataract. There are a few different reasons why a young dog may develop a cataract but with miniature schnauzers (if diabetes has been ruled out) the most likely reason would be hereditary. If you have not already done so, you should let Leia's breeder know, as there could well be an issue in their breeding lines and, if there is, they should be publishing her pedigree. This is because other families / breeders need to know since there is a high risk that other related dogs may develop the condition and the genes for cataract development will continue to be passed on, if breeders are not made aware there is a problem within those lines.

If you have not yet seen a BVA ophthalmologist, it would be worth getting an appointment at your nearest specialist vet as they will be able to give you a good idea of cause and implications of surgery etc. We have found our eye specialist vet really friendly and helpful. There is a list of UK BVA eye specialists here:

https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-sch ... panellist/

I have no personal experience with a dog having cataracts but these links may give you some additional generalised information re the condition and surgery:

https://www.willows.uk.net/specialist-s ... ct-surgery

http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/cataract/

[barbieh]

Hello
I just wanted to let you know of my experience with cataract diagnosis on my schnauzer of then 6 years.
Jake had 3 vets diagnose cataracts - 2 in Europe and a vet at my normal vet surgery.
I mentioned this to a new vet at the practice and he brought out some more specialized eye equipment, examined carefully and said 'not cataracts but nuclear sclerosis' - a slowly developing eye problem that does not cause blindness.
I told the receptionist how impressed I was and she said that vet had previously worked in a specialist eye practice.

I have very recently sadly had to have Jake put to sleep because of other medical problems Devastated.

[zeta1454]

So sorry to hear about Jake and sending hugs to you and your family.

You are right that it is so important to get a correct diagnosis and specialist eye vets are the best with any eye condition in a dog.

[Oscar 12345]

Sorry to hear you have lost Jake. I know exactly how you must be feeling. What problems did he have?