My poor Border collie has cataracts in both eyes!

[chelsea25]

Hi all, My dog has recently been diagnosed with Diabetes, and now has cataracts in both eyes, she is really scared! Does anyone know where we could get surgery done on her eyes, how much does it costs and how effective it is? Thanks xx

[rd14962]

Your pet isn't scared, she's simply picking up on your emotions! reassure her and pet her as you normally would. She will adapt very quickly to her eye sight diminishing.

However, you can have her operated on, I would have thought the vet that diagnosed the diabetesand cataracts would be the best person to ask.

If you are unable to afford vets fees there are charities that can help. The PDSA is one, look in the phonebook for their number, I believe you make a donation depending on what you can afford to give.

I hope this helps and try not to let your dog see you upset about it, she will think she's done wrong!

Rupert

[wolf63]

My dog had really bad cataracts in both eyes, but he was in no way disabled by this. It is pretty normal in older dogs.

When he went deaf it was more of a problem for me than him - he had been ignoring me for years.

He lived to a good age (14) and only in the last few months was he bothered by old age. He got a tad senile and confused.

Enjoy your dog, relax. Animals are great company.

I must go - can hear that ruddy cat gouging chunks out of the woodwork again. He has cataracts - can still get up to all his evil tricks though.

[lankeela]

Have a look at this site, it gives some good information.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/cataracts/html

[lankeela]

If the link does not take you to the cataracts page, go to the main site, then click on the pet web library, then scroll down to cataracts.

[lankeela]

Here's an extract from the marvistavet site in case you can't get to it:

"Cataract treatment generally involves surgical removal or physical dissolution of the cataract under anesthesia. This is invasive and expensive and is not considered unless it can restore vision. A complete examination of the eye is performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. If a cataract is present, it is not possible to see the retina through it; a test called an �Electroretinogram� is done to determine if the eye has a functional retina and could benefit from cataract surgery. Ultrasound of the eye can be used to look for retinal detachments. If the eye has a blinded retina, there is no point to subjecting the patient to surgery.

Obviously, the patient must be in good general health to undergo surgery; diabetics must be well regulated before cataract surgery. Also, it should be obvious that in order for a patient to be a good candidate for surgery, the patient must have a temperament conducive to the administration of eye drops at home. Pets with cataracts in one eye that can see in the other eye generally do not need surgery"