cataracts in dogs

tir21

Hi how much roughly should it cost to get my dogs cataracts seen to

Im not even sure how poor his vision is. He can't see buscuits when I throw them on the floor but he has no problem getting in and out of the house and moving from room to room. He does not bump into things

I am worried about the expense. Is there some level below which it would be cruel to not have his eyes fixed

Thanks

rustyboy21

I don't think it is totally worthwhile TBH. Not all dogs cataracts need to be done. Their eyesight is different than humans and they can get by without it. Have a read here. http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/cataract/


If you are looking at costs, If my cataract surgery is anything to go by, it cost me ( well my insurance co) £2500 per eye. I would add on another grand onto that, as it is a vet doing it and not all vets will have the instruments to do them.


I really think you need to look at it more. A dog with cataracts can get on quite nicely without the operation. They seem to get by really well. Why put them through a general surgery, when it is only life style change, not life saving change.

Shoshannah

Cataract surgery is extremely expensive - four figures per eye.

Have cataracts been confirmed in his case?

tir21

Shoshannah wrote: »

Cataract surgery is extremely expensive - four figures per eye.

Have cataracts been confirmed in his case?

There is cloudiness in his eyes and as I say, he can see treats on the floor.

I had heard that if the catetacts arent done then they can become detached and cause pain

mtbbuxton

A dogs eyes naturally go cloudy as they age - usually from about 6, so it may not be cataracts.

http://nuclearsclerosis.org/

If it is cataracts, as already said treatment is expensive.

M x

Sagz_2

One of my dogs had cataracts when I took him on, he appeared to be almost totally blind. I had him 6 years, during which time he completed his advanced obedience class with flying colours. The other dogs made allowances for him bumping them and many people didn't know he was blind until they saw his yellow eyes reflect at them. On walks he bumped into things when free running but he was never upset by it, just carried on wagging his tail!

Pugh led a full and happy, with his cataracts , hopefully your dog will too OP.

chris_n_tj

My friends dog had his Cateracts done at the AHT (Animal Health Trust) in Newmarket a few years ago. The cost was £5000 per eye. Each eye was done at differnt times just like human cateract ops.
You do need to get his eyes checked out by your Vet to begin with. There is also a good "eye Vet specailist in Birmingham, I fostered a rescue that had his eyes done by this Vet and the results were amazing. You need to be prepared to put in the hard work which comes with this Op, eye drops have to used many times a day over quite a long period, I just want you to realise what a big undertaking it is. Good luck x

topsales

My dog had cataracts due to diabetes - he had one removed at a cost of £1500 (covered by insurance) but he was completely blind so had to be done. Cataracts can just cause reduction in vision, if not caused by diabetes, - depends what is causing your dog's cataracts - may just be old age?

teddysmum

When Teddy, 10, had his MOT last month, the vet mentioned that his eyes were getting cloudy, but that it was not cataracts and didn't seem to affect his sight.


Joly is 11 and his eyes are also cloudy, in certain lights, but he also has no problems.


Monty, who died aged 14 had really milky eyes for years, yet didn't have any mobility problems and always found his food.


I have cataracts developing and dread the op.

Shoshannah

tir21 wrote: »

There is cloudiness in his eyes and as I say, he can see treats on the floor.

I had heard that if the catetacts arent done then they can become detached and cause pain

I would be suspicious of nuclear sclerosis - take him to a vet and ask for his eyes to be checked. You may be worrying about nothing.

LondonGal

Any diagnosis should be by a vet. They would advise on cost as well, so best to book in or phone re cost if already diagnosed.

I have a dog who is blind and largely deaf, but lives a very happy life relying on sense of smell. The dog is well used to bumping into everything and tripping over things, but is not in the least bit distressed by it and has good quality of life. The dog has been like this since about 2 years old and is now nearly 14.