Cataract in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Cataract
Organ System: Cardiovascular

While often acquired, cataract can also be a hereditary eye condition characterized by the loss of the lens transparency. It ranges from no evident symptoms to complete blindness depending on the degree of the lens opacity. Dog owners usually notice eye discolorations and/or impaired eyesight. Cataract is detected even during a routine eye examination, even in cases with no evident symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition and the dog’s temperament, vet may suggest surgical removal. The procedure is rather simple, but it is important to pay special attention to the post-operative care. It is not advisable breed affected animals.

Breeds exposed to Cataract – Research Reference
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Griffon Brabancon Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD) & (Rusbridge et al. 2009)
Griffon Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD) & (Rusbridge et al. 2009)
Chihuahua Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Hungarian Vizsla Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Weimaraner Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Chihuahua – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Griffon Bruxellois – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD) & (Rusbridge et al. 2009)
Cavoodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Griffon – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD) & (Rusbridge et al. 2009)
Hungarian Vizsla – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Weimaraner – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Cataract or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.