Cataracts in a Dog: Snoop Goes Blind in Both Eyes

Do you know what can cause your dog to go blind, and can you do anything about it?

Conditions that can lead to loss of sight in dogs include:

  • genetic predisposition
  • age
  • eye injuries
  • infections/inflammation
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • cataracts
  • glaucomas
  • suddenly acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS)

Further information: Blindness In Dogs: Causes, Treatments And Prevention

What are cataracts?

A cataract is the progressive loss of transparency of the lens in the eye—picture frosted glass. As the lens becomes opaque, the dog loses the ability to see. There are several potential causes of cataracts in dogs—diabetes mellitus is high on the list.

Further information: Cataracts in Dogs

Cataracts in a Dog: Snoop Goes Blind in Both Eyes. Do you know what can cause your dog to go blind, and can you do anything about it?

Snoop’s story

Snoop is an energetic Yorkshire Terrier; he had the world at his feet. When his dad brought Snoop for booster vaccination a few years back, he was in for an unwelcome surprise. When Snoop’s veterinarian was asking about the pup’s medical history, some red flags popped up. Snoop had been drinking more water than normal, and he started having potty accidents. Because Snoop was reliably house trained, peeing in the house was out of character for him.

The veterinarian checked Snoop’s urine and the test confirmed the suspicion—Snoop had diabetes.

The treatment

To keep his blood sugar levels under control, Snoop was started on twice-daily insulin injections. The treatment stabilized Snoop’s glucose levels and he was doing well. His dad was diligent with his injections and controlling Snoop’s diet and Snoop was doing well.

Snoop starts loosing his vision

About a year later, though, his dad noticed that Snoop started losing his sight. He would hold his head to a side, looking nervous and confused, he stopped chasing the cat. When he walked, Snoop was moving cautiously, as if he was unsure about each step. When Snoop collided with a chair, it confirmed his dad’s concern.

At the veterinarian

The veterinarian diagnosed Snoop’s problem easily. An eye examination revealed that Snoop had cataracts in both of his eyes—about 75% of diabetic dogs develop cataracts. It can happen quickly, in a matter of days.

Snoop’s surgery

The good news was that there is a surgery that can restore the dog’s vision. Snoop’s operation went well and within a week he was able to see again.

Snoop is back to chasing cats and enjoying his life.

Source article:
Snoop Went Blind after Developing Diabetes

Related articles:
Causes of Cloudy Eyes in Dogs: What’s Happening To My Dog’s Eyes?

Further reading:
Cataracts in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
What Causes Sudden Blindness in Older Dogs?
Cloudy Eyes – Not Always Cataracts

Categories: Blindness • Cataracts • Cloudy eyes • Conditions • Diabetes • Dog health advocacy • Eye diseases • Symptoms

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Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer, dog health advocate, writer, and author. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Countless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care in my own hands. I learned the hard way that merely seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to get a diagnosis. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people how to recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to save others the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way as I did. That is the mission behind my blog and behind my writing. That is why I wrote Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog, which has turned out being an award-winning guide to dog owners. What I'm trying to share encompasses 20 years of experience.

One Comment
  1. Stacey Kline 20/07 – 10:29 pm

    We had a miniature tea cup poodle named, Mon Amie. She was so sweet, but as she aged we watched the cataracts form on her eyes. It was so sad.

    Reply

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