Cataracts or not?

Many older dogs develop a haziness to their eyes. It is often assumed this is caused by cataracts.

However in many older dogs where there has been no previous signs of a cataract it may be a condition known as Nuclear Sclerosis.

What’s the difference?

Cataracts – Are a white opacity of the lens which prevents light passing in and reduces a dog’s ability to see as clearly as they did. A very small cataract may cause the dog no problem at all and larger ones can either blur their vision slightly or remove all functioning sight.

Nuclear Sclerosis – As a dog gets older their lens begins to harden. This causes a bluish grey haze to the eye. This is not a cataract. Nuclear Sclerosis does not affect the sight in the same way.It is common for this to begin at the age of 6 -7 years old although you may not see it at first. It’s often explained as being similar to people in their 40’s beginning to need reading glasses.

How do you tell the difference?

There’s a simple answer to this question – you can’t only a vet can.

If your dog has any problems with or changes to, the appearance of one or both eyes take them to your vet for a correct professional diagnosis

Your dogs eyes are too precious to risk a guess at what’s going on and you risk letting them go blind. Cataracts can only be cured by surgery – the sooner you act the better chance the vet has of helping your dog.

Good post, thanks Wids

My late staffy had a cataract in his right eye which most people probably wouldn't think would cause many problems but when u had just had your left eye removed after an infection from an attack by your "sister" it makes it hard.

Awww I know where you're coming from - our Bailey only has one eye - we always worry more about him because of it.

HazelJ wrote:

My late staffy had a cataract in his right eye which most people probably wouldn't think would cause many problems but when u had just had your left eye removed after an infection from an attack by your "sister" it makes it hard.

Gosh I imagine it would. Jack only had one eye and thankfully up to his passing he never developed a cataract in his remaining eye

Thats very interesting. Jess's right eye is quite bluish/ cloudy. I'm going to seek more info. I always assumed, due to her age it was a cataract.