A frequent cause of sharp decline in sight in our shaggy pets is cataract. This disease is associated with the cloudiness of the crystal and it can develop at any age. Sometimes, in rare cases, it is congenital, but in most cases, blurred vision leads to diabetes, eye trauma, various inflammatory processes. With age, the body weakens, and irreversible changes also occur with the eyes. The elastic transparent lens loses its elasticity and ceases to function normally in its most important functions. If cataract in dogs is small, then vision falls unnoticed, but it is necessary to observe the development of this painful process. Progress of the disease can cause complete blindness in the animal.
Symptoms of cataract in dogs
Age cataract occurs in animals that have reached the age of 8 years. The main symptom is a change in the color of one eye or both eyes. The organs of vision grow turbid, and then on them appear dull spots of grayish-blue or milky-white color. It is noticed that some decorative rocks are most likely located to this disease - poodles, terriers, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, husky , miniature schnauzers. In dogs of this breed cataract can appear at an early age, it here is hereditary.
If the dog has an initial stage, the turbidity affects only the peripheral zone of the lens and the animal, distinguishing the normal contours of the object, ceases to clearly see their details. With immature cataracts, the central zone is affected in dogs, vision falls significantly and the outlines of surrounding objects are blurred. Mature cataract - a rather dangerous stage, with her pet ceases to navigate in the room or on the street, the level of light is significantly reduced, and the entire lens is affected by opacities. Perezrelya form is the final stage, with the disintegration of the lens fibers and the eyes becoming homogeneous of a dull white color. If you pay attention to changes in gases very late, you can not save them.
Treatment of cataract in a dog
The most effective way to get rid of cataracts is surgical treatment. Now it is even possible for dogs to replace the damaged lens by implanting an artificial one in its place. In 90% of such operations are very successful, and the eyes of the pupils can be restored. In the early stages, phacoemulsification is possible - removal of the diseased lens by ultrasound, when it is converted into an emulsion, and then removed. Next, the intraocular lens is inserted, which occupies its position. The puncture heals quickly and in most cases with such cataract treatment, dogs do not even have stitches. Of course, such treatment can not be called cheap, and not in any clinic it can be carried out.
Treatment of cataracts in dogs by folk remedies
- May or acacia honey is melted in a water bath. This emulsion is instilled in the animal twice a day. After three weeks, the course is interrupted for 3-4 months, and then it is renewed. It is not recommended to use such treatment in summer heat.
- Two tablespoons of calendula flowers are poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water and covered with a dense cloth or some blanket, after half an hour it is filtered. It is recommended to use 100-150 g of the obtained liquid twice a day for washing.
- Burdock leaf, chamomile and rose hips (pink) are crushed and poured into a saucepan in equal parts. Then the dishes are filled with water and the saucepan is placed in half.
The liquid level should be 30 mm below its neck. The solution is brought to a boil and the fire is reduced, and the lid is covered with a wet towel to collect the condensate on it and dig it into a small saucepan. This condensate is suitable for instillation of eyes in cataracts in dogs, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so do not take a lot of medicine at a time.
It should be understood that the methods described below do not help to completely defeat the disease, but in some cases they are still able to suspend negative processes. More effective treatment can be done only after consultation in the clinic and under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian.