Cataracts in pets
A cataract is a clouding of the lens that strongly affects a pet's vision (except for the initial stages). Various types of animals, including cats and dogs, are susceptible to the disease. Impeding vision, pathology is a serious problem for both pets and their owners. The methods of cataract treatment in animals are almost identical to the techniques used for humans. Nevertheless, there are certain specific features. According to the localization of clouding, cataracts are classified into several types: anterior or posterior, nuclear, which progresses in the center of the lens, posterior capsular, located in the center of the posterior pole, fusiform, affecting the area between the poles, cortical, which occurs on the periphery and slowly spreads to the central area, layered, causing clouding of several layers at once, total, encompassing the entire surface of the lens (usually both eyes are affected at once).
Why do cataracts occur in animals? In most cases, elderly animals older than 8-9 years are at risk. As age-related changes occur, the lens becomes thicker, and the likelihood of developing a cortical type of cataract increases. The pathology associated with the elderly age of pets is acquired. There are other causes of clouding of the lens: injuries, hypothermia or overheating, autoimmune diseases and chronic infections, ophthalmological diagnoses, taking certain medications for a long time. The clinical picture at different stages of the disease, the level of lens opacity varies depending on the stage of the disease.
The initial one. There is no specific symptomatology, cataract can only be diagnosed in a veterinary clinic. It is characterized by a slight visual impairment, which is treated with certain medications. Immature. There is an increase in the area of distribution, the opacity becomes more pronounced. The pet is still oriented in space, but sees only the contours of objects. Mature. A cloudy film occupies the entire surface of the lens. The animal stops seeing the outlines, focuses on the brightness of the light. Surgical intervention is necessary. Overripe. Complete disappearance of light perception, the pet becomes blind. A characteristic feature of a cataract is a white spot or a small haze on the pupil itself. What should I do if I find a cataract in my pet? If the first alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic for examination and diagnosis of the disease. A competent specialist will help identify the cause and stage of the disease. Based on the results of the studies carried out, cataracts are eliminated either with the help of medications or through surgery.
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