Canine Cataracts – why do they occur? All of the several different forms of cataract develop in a similar way. The normal lens consists of 66% water and the remainder is protein and with cataract formation the lens has basically become dehydrated. A sodium water pump system in the lens keeps the water/protein balanced. Should the biomechanical system in the lens become damaged, this pump system fails causing excessive water to fill the lens and insoluble protein increases. These changes cause a loss of transparency in the lens and therefore the formation of cataract.

The age at which a dog develops cataracts gives the best clue as to which type of cataract the dog has developed. This is called the age of onset and this is particularly important for determining if the cataracts are the result of a hereditary trait in certain breeds of dogs.

Congenital Cataracts are the type of cataracts that are present at birth and usually occur in both eyes. These are not necessarily inherited as they could have formed in utero caused by infections or toxins. However primary congenital cataracts such as those found in Miniature Schnauzers are inherited.

Early Onset or Developmental Cataracts are those which develop early on in life. Like congenital cataracts, they could be inherited or caused by trauma, diabetes mellitus, infection, or toxicity. Several breeds like Afghan Hounds and Standard Poodles tend to inherited cataracts at this age.

Late Onset or Senile Cataracts occur in dogs over six years of age. They occur much less frequently in dogs than in humans for which this type of cataract is very common. Be sure to check with your vet that your dog doesn’t have Nuclear sclerosis, which is the greying of the eyes that is often confused with senile cataract. Nuclear sclerosis is not considered to be a medical problem.

Inherited cataracts may occur independently or in association with another ocular disease. Below we list those breeds who tend to suffer with inherited cataracts and the age of onset. Obviously those dogs diagnosed with inherited cataracts should not be used for breeding.

Breed	Age of Onset
Afghan Hound	6-12 months
American Cocker Spaniel	6 + months
Boston Terrier	Congenital
Chesapeake Bay Retriever	1 + years
German Shepherd	8 + weeks
Golden Retriever	6 + months
Labrador Retriever	6 + months
Miniature Schnauzer	Congenital or 6 + months
Old English Sheepdog	Congenital
Siberian Husky	6 + months
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	6 + months
Standard Poodle	1 + years
Welsh Springer Spaniel	Congenital
West Highland White Terrier	Congenital

Diabetes Mellitus is the most common disorder resulting in cataract formation. It is almost guaranteed that a dog with diabetes will develop cataracts. In diabetic dogs, the glucose concentrations in the lens increases causing an increase in the influx of water to the lens which breaks down the lens fibres causing cataract. If the diabetic dog is unregulated the cataracts can develop very quickly and usually in both eyes. If the diabetic dog has been carefully regulated for at least 3 months then the vet will probably propose the surgical removal of the lens.

Can-C eye drops are the alternative to surgery and many thousands of dogs are presently being given these soothing eye drops to combat this heartbreaking condition.

Just 1 drop 3 times a day (morning, noon and evening) for a period of at least 6 months should show results as checked and confirmed by your vet. Humans obtain the best results for cataract reversal between 9-12 months daily usage of 4 drops into each affected eye.

The choice is yours. The choice is clear. Avoid surgery - try Can-C eye drops.

We relish the opportunity to work with any forward thinking veterinary ophthalmologists who are willing to treat canine cataracts with Can-C eye drops.

Further reading:

Cataracts in Dogs – what choice will you make? Click here

Risks of surgery - Can-C the medical option Click here

How you can help - your dog deserves the best. Click here

For more information please contact: Stephen Patrick Account manager Tel: 561 459 1874 Fax: 561 258 2658 www.can-c.biz Leaders in the business of Can-C