Disorders of the Lens in Dogs

A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, which effectively blocks light from reaching the retina. This causes a loss of eyesight that can range from mild vision problems to partial blindness. Cataracts should not be confused with the minor lens imperfections in young dogs or with the normal increase in the thickening and hardening of central lens tissue that occurs in older animals. Cataracts are often inherited in dogs (see Table: Inherited Cataracts in Dogs). Other causes include diabetes, malnutrition, radiation, inflammation, and trauma. In some cases, sight may be regained in young dogs, cats, or horses when cataracts disappear on their own.

Cataracts that are present at birth in young animals may reduce in size as the lens grows, allowing for some restoration of vision as the animal matures. Animals with immature and incomplete cataracts may benefit from topical medication (eye drops) 2 to 3 times per week.

Because dogs can often use their keen senses of hearing and smell to compensate for loss of vision, it can be difficult for a pet owner to detect cataracts at an early stage. Some owners report that their dogs have more difficulty in bright light, while others report the opposite. Dogs with vision loss may appear more cautious in their movements and tend to stay closer than usual to their owner.

In general, treatment for cataracts involves surgery to remove the affected lens or lenses. In dogs, removal of the cataract is most likely to be successful when performed before cataract maturation is complete and before inflammation in the front chamber of the eye occurs due to leakage of lens material. Advances have been made in this procedure, but complications are possible. In animals in which cataract surgery is not performed, continued monitoring is very important. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for treatment of cataracts.

Lens displacement can occur in any dog but is common as a primary inherited defect in several Terrier breeds. Lens displacements also can be produced by trauma, enlargement of the eyeball due to glaucoma, and degenerative changes that occur as a result of long-standing cataracts.

Complete displacement of the lens into the front chamber of the eye produces severe signs and frequently is accompanied by glaucoma and swelling of the cornea. The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the lens.

Displacement backward into the main eye chamber (called the vitreous cavity) may cause no signs or be associated with inflammation of the eye or glaucoma. Partially dislocated lenses are recognized by a trembling of the iris and lens. The decision to remove partially dislocated lenses is based on the severity of the signs.

Procedures to remove the lens because of lens displacement are associated with higher levels of postoperative complications of glaucoma and detachment of the retina. Your veterinarian will carefully evaluate your pet’s condition and recommend a program to provide your pet with the best possible outcome.

Also see professional content regarding lens disorders.