Cataracts in dogs are an opacity in the lens of the eye that can lead to loss of vision. The most common cause of cataracts in dogs is a genetic inherited condition. Other causes include metabolic disease, such as diabetes mellitus, trauma to the eye, and uveitis, an inflammation of the eye that results in the warping of the lens fibers. Cataracts can also appear spontaneously and are age-related. Some dog breeds that may be predisposed to developing early cataracts are the Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, Standard Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and Siberian Husky. Diabetic dogs are also at high risk of developing cataracts, with almost all diabetic dogs developing cataracts within a year of diagnosis.

If you suspect that your dog has cataracts, it is important to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet will examine your dogs eyes thoroughly and can detect cataracts that are just forming or are immature and havent yet started affecting your dogs sight. If your dog is diagnosed with cataracts, veterinary ophthalmologists can surgically remove them and restore failing vision. The success rate of cataract surgery in dogs has been reported to be as high as 80-90%, and in general, the sooner the surgery is done, the better the outcome.