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Does anyone have any advice regarding cataract surgery for dogs?

My dog is 13 years old and extremely active, he has always led a healthy life and appears much younger than his actual age.

Over the last year or so, his eyesight has gone in his left eye and his right eye is beginning to cloud. I took him to the vets again this morning and I was told his eyesight will most likely go in his right eye within six months. 

The vet suggested that due to his age any surgery may be dangerous and instead just make sure his home environment is safe and secure, not move things around the house, etc.

I have looked at surgery for cataracts online, and although it is expensive ( around £2,500 ish ) I think it looks promising. I will take a loan out if it looks as if it will actually work.

Does anyone have any experience with this or had an animal that has gone through a similar procedure?

I just can't except that he will go blind. He is fit and healthy and I expect him to be around for many years to come.

However, I am reluctant for him to undergo an operation at his age. Recently my friends cat died after undergoing an operation for a minor ailment. He woke up from the operation, but died from kidney failure a few days later at 9 years old.


many thanks

Hi Sark.

This is a real toughie. 

I don't think you should have this operation done. Firstly, your dog won't know that he is losing his sight, so while you may feel sorry for him, he wont be feeling the least bit sorry for himself. On the contrary, with an owner like you, he is probably extremely happy.

The truth is, at 13 your dog probably has a year or maybe two left to live, and will soon start to slow down. Risk aside, Is it worth marring his remaining time with scary visits to the vet, an operation, and a period of convalescence?

Just my opinion. Good luck what ever you do.

Would he have to wear dark glasses until it heals

This thread might help you to decide.

http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=40347

This was my immediate reaction to your post. It's my honest opinion, but I somehow feel uncomfortable about it.

It's not my dog and I don't know all the details.

Thanks Red, 

I have another dog that is five years old and a passer by would have trouble telling which one was the 13 year old. When I take them both out for their evening walk, I have started walking down the centre of the road ( not main road ) as it is easier to navigate street lamps, posts, etc. I get some strange comments from other people walking by, but I don't care, it is better than my dog walking into things. He is ok in wide open spaces and seems to get on ok  around the house, but I worry how long this will last for.

Last night when we were down the local park, I was watching him as his flashing light on his coller darted round in the dark. I am probably guilty of being an over protective parent, but it is tough to know the extent of his lack of sight and I probably over react as he gets too close to bench's, goal posts,etc. When I call him back, he often has a "wtf are you calling me back for idiot , I can see the goal post look on his face ? ". When he bumps into things, I feel like I have let him down though.  He has never been on the leash all the time and it would kill him to be tied up now, I only put him on it when he is walking on the pavements or while walking on the roads. 

I bought some cream from the vet and he told me to put a cloth with cold tea on his eyes once or twice a day to soothe them. Sadly ( not sure if that is the correct word ) I feel you are right Red and he probably doesn't know he is going blind. Next month he has another appointment with the vet and I will listen to what he has to say. It is hard when your sport crazy friends eyes are failing and they can't do what his body probably still can. The vet feels there is little that can be done. 

ty


I not sure what kind of bandages he would have Crow if it was done. 

not joking but wouldnt your dog have to be assesd,for this like humans? he might not be eligable for this operation
i remember taking my dad to have it done and they said he couldnt....

I would have to agree with Red here, a tough call but i have met quite a few people with dogs that are blind from old age and they generally seem to cope extremely well. I think the idea of the operation is good but could it do more harm than good.

Best wishes with whichever path you choose.

cant see the point myself  ;)