Canine cataracts and alternative treatments...?

[kooky guy]

Hi All,

We have a 10 year old cocker spaniel who has become almost completely blind with cataracts. Unfortunately she doesn't seem to realise this and still charges around like a loony, but ends up bumping into things. Healthwise, she seems to be in very good condition for her age in all other respects.

We've looked into the surgical option, but we've been quoted about £1500 per eye which unfortunately is not feasible for us particularly in view of her age.

I've come across ads for various brands of eye drops to help the condition, but am quite skeptical about them. Has anyone had any experience of any such treatments for this condition and more importantly, any positive results? Or are they all just a con?

I hate seeing her like this, but simply can't afford the surgical option and the cynical side of me tells me that this is what the purveyors of such drops prey on, but I'd be very interested in anyone's experience of them.

Best Regards

Guy

[bexVN]

Have you actually spoken to a veterinary opthalmologist for advice on other tx's?

[kooky guy]

Well we've been to our vet a couple of times. He seemed to be unaware of any other options other than surgery.

Unfortunately an opthalmic evaluation is expensive too so I'm just researching at the moment.

[bexVN]

You should get referred to an opthalmologist for a proper assessment, eyes are complicated gp vets not the best to judge or advise (most would agree with this) A referral consult may be about £75, worth it to get a proper evaluation, then you would at least be getting accurate advice. You don't have to agree to any surgery etc but at least you would get a better idea of costings and if these alternative drops exist.

[netstar]

My little bullie has been diagnosed with those too. I thought there was something wrong last year when we were down the beach and we called her back, she looks around to see where the voices are coming from and she heads towards it but its not until she gets close to you that you see the recognition go a cross her face. I spoke to the vet who said it would be about 2 grand and eye!! But she did say that dogs cope very well with cataracts just dont let her out of your sight when out, e g long lead if necessary and dont move the furniture around. When approaching her make sure you talk to her so she knows you are approaching and who it is etc.

[Granville]

I'd try a second opinion at a specialist Clinic. I took my horse to this place The Veterinary Eye Hospital, Marlbrook in Leominster, I think it cost £100 for the consultation but it was very informative and he even allowed me to observe the eyes whilst under examination. This included sedation of the horse and we were there for a good 2 hrs.

There probably is somewhere closer to you, though Hereford is easier to get to with a dog in a car than a horse and a lorry.

[kooky guy]

netstar said:

My little bullie has been diagnosed with those too. I thought there was something wrong last year when we were down the beach and we called her back, she looks around to see where the voices are coming from and she heads towards it but its not until she gets close to you that you see the recognition go a cross her face. I spoke to the vet who said it would be about 2 grand and eye!! But she did say that dogs cope very well with cataracts just dont let her out of your sight when out, e g long lead if necessary and dont move the furniture around. When approaching her make sure you talk to her so she knows you are approaching and who it is etc.

That's pretty much what ours is like except that she gets lost at more than a foot or so away from us now. Her directional hearing doesn't seem to be much good either (or maybe it's just her being stubborn). She's constantly bumping into things at home (even things that don't move).

She navigates generally by weaving from side to side on a path until she bumps into the edges. She's not much better on a lead as she can't seem to understand the steering cues given to her and ends up tangling the lead up or tripping the walker over.

It's just a real shame as she seems fine in all other respects. I wanted to try to avoid spending any more only to be told that surgery is the only option - that seems to be the opinion of all the opthalmists that I've found online. Was just hoping someone might have had a positive experience with any alternative treatment.

It can't be much fun for her either. It just seems like such a huge amount of money.

[DKL]

There will be 2 options I imagine. Removal of the cataract without subsequent implant and removal with implant. The latter is basically what people have and the cost is about the same. Due to the need to anaesthetise the animal I doubt the former would be much cheaper anyway.
There will be no drops that make an iota of difference so please don't be tempted as it will just be a waste of money.

Beyond that there isn't much option - the cataract is a physical barrier to the light entering the eye so needs to be removed.
Most people get around 80% of the improvement from having the first eye done (that's just anecdotal from my patients) so he should get by quite happily with just one done.

[kooky guy]

Thanks for all that.

I think we're going to get her properly evaluated after Christmas. I suspect it'll be a waste of time though as we're not going to be able afford it.

Cheers

Guy

[bexVN]

kooky guy said:

Thanks for all that.

I think we're going to get her properly evaluated after Christmas. I suspect it'll be a waste of time though as we're not going to be able afford it.

Cheers

Guy

At least you will be aware of options and prognosis and how bad they are etc whether any risk of glaucoma plus general health of the eyes, so don't regard it as a waste of time, good luck with her