What causes sudden cataracts in dogs?

What Causes Cataracts? Cataracts are an inheritable trait, so if a dog is one of the breeds known for cataracts, there is a good chance they might develop them. Diabetes Mellitus (sugar diabetes) can also cause cataracts in dogs. It’s also possible for eye injuries, which can cause inflammation, to lead to cataracts.

Do cataracts come on suddenly?

Significant cataracts block and distort light passing through the lens, causing visual symptoms and complaints. Cataract development is usually a gradual process of normal aging, but can occasionally occur rapidly.

Why do older dogs get cataracts?

Dogs can get cataracts at any age, but it is definitely more common in senior dogs. Approximately 75% of diabetic dogs will develop blinding cataracts within the first nine months of being diabetic, virtually overnight. The third most common cause of dog cataracts is disease due to an ocular problem or a drug reaction.

How quickly can a dog develop cataracts?

One study reported that 75% of dogs will develop cataracts within one year of diagnosis with diabetes. Signs of diabetes mellitus include frequent urination, increased thirst, and weight loss. Cataracts that diabetic patients develop often happen quite quickly, sometimes even over a couple of days!

Can dog cataracts go away?

Cataracts in Dogs: Treatment and Prevention Cataracts won’t go away on their own, says Gila, they need to be removed surgically. If you see or suspect that your dog has a cataract, consult your vet or a veterinary opthamologist to discuss whether surgery is right for your dog.

What are the first signs of a cataract?

Signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

Clouded, blurred or dim vision.
Increasing difficulty with vision at night.
Sensitivity to light and glare.
Need for brighter light for reading and other activities.
Seeing “halos” around lights.
Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Fading or yellowing of colors.

How can I help my dog with cataracts?

You vet may prescribe a medicated eye drop (typically a topical anti-inflammatory or a steroid) to reduce inflammation of the eye, though surgery to remove the cataracts is usually considered the most effective treatment for cataracts in dogs.

How old does a Shih Tzu have to be to get cataract?

Cataract generally happens after 5 to 6 years of age, but it may be an Inherited condition passed down from the Mother or Father. If it is hereditary, then it will be there from the birth. Cataract is an inherited disorder that commonly affects Shih Tzu and other similar breeds.

What causes lens opacification in Shih Tzu cataract?

Diabetes results in the increase of blood glucose level and thus, glucose is diffused (moved into and mixed) into the lenses. Thus is transformed into other compounds that cause lens opacification. Other eye diseases, like glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy or lens luxation are also reasons for causing cataract.

When to take care of an aging Shih Tzu?

Your Shih Tzu is growing older, and it’s time for you to shift gears into caring for an aging Shih Tzu. How to care for an aging Shih Tzu? A Shih Tzu is considered a senior dog between 9 and 10 years of age. An aging Shih Tzu requires special care and has unique needs, including vet visits every 6 months.

Why does my Shih Tzu think he is too old?

The issue here is not necessarily one of defiance or the fact that your dog thinks he’s too old for this sort of silliness, it’s most likely due to a change in your dog’s hearing. Hearing loss is a big indicator of aging, and as your Shih Tzu gets older, his hearing may start to fade a bit.

What kind of eye problems does a Shih Tzu have?

Shih Tzu also are prone to the following eye problems (Click on the respective links to learn about each eye problem): 1 Dry Eye. 2 Cherry Eye. 3 Juvenile Cataract. 4 Entropion (lower eyelid that rolls inward).