Do Labs really get cataracts
Yes, they do. Cataracts (opaque spots or areas in the lens of the eye) can be due to environmental or metabolic factors, but in Labs they are often inherited. They often occur in relatively young dogs (from birth to six years of age). The primary symptom is a bluish-white or milky appearance to the lens. In some Labs, cataracts are non-progressive and do not interfere with sight. In others, the disease is progressive, eventually leading to blindness. Some dogs seem to see quite well even with relatively advanced cataracts, perhaps due to reliance on their other senses.
What can be done if my Lab has cataracts?
Cataracts cannot be treated medically; the only effective treatment is surgical removal. Prior to surgery, your Lab should be tested to make sure that there are no retinal abnormalities—it would do little good to remove the cataracts if she was going blind from a retinal disease such as PRA.
The two methods for surgical removal of cataracts include extracapsu-lar extraction, in which the lens capsule (covering) is opened and the lens is removed through the opening, and intracapsular extraction, in which the entire lens and capsule are removed. Although intracapsular extraction is more effective for restoring vision, extracapsular extraction is preferred because there is less risk of secondary complications. The surgery is successful in about 90 percent of the cases.
Post a comment