Cataracts in Pets

At Wintermere Pointe Animal Hospital in Winter Garden, we are dedicated to pet wellness, providing various services to support pet health and quality of life, including treatments and surgical procedures. We offer a wide range of services, from ultrasounds and dental care to microchipping and managing medical conditions. 

Understanding Cataracts in Pets

Maintaining your pet's eye health is crucial for preventing eye infections and other issues. One common condition affecting pets is cataracts. In dogs, cataracts can sometimes be inherited, but they may also develop due to factors such as diabetes, eye injuries, trauma, nutritional imbalances, inflammatory eye diseases, or simply aging.

Cats can also develop cataracts, with similar causes to those in dogs, including nutritional imbalances, eye trauma, hereditary factors, high blood pressure, cancer, and viral infections. Even horses are not immune to cataract development. While cataracts are not typically painful, they represent a slow progression that affects the lens and can lead to blindness. That's why we recommend regular eye check-ups for your pets at our animal hospital.

Recognizing Signs of Cataracts in Pets

The early signs that your pet may be developing cataracts include:

• Cloudiness in the pupils
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Difficulty jumping or climbing
• Changes in eye color
• Irregular pupil size or shape
• Trouble seeing in low light
• Squinting
• Watery eyes
• Unsteady footing
• Bumping into furniture
• Reluctance to explore unfamiliar areas
• Reduced activity

If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian as soon as possible for a comprehensive eye examination. This examination will help us determine whether cataracts are developing, and we will discuss the appropriate next steps.

Once cataracts have fully formed, surgical intervention is often recommended. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and involves the removal of the cloudy lens, which is then replaced with an acrylic or plastic lens. This surgery can restore your pet's sight.

Contact Wintermere Pointe Animal Hospital in Winter Garden, FL

Are you looking for a veterinarian near you? At Wintermere Pointe Animal Hospital, we are committed to the wellness of your pets. Our range of services is designed to address your pet's medical needs at all times. Your pet is in capable hands from the moment of arrival. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.