What causes cataracts in dogs?

In the warm time we spend with dogs, their bright and lively eyes are an important window for emotional communication. However, when we see that the originally clear lens in the dog's eyes gradually becomes cloudy and suffers from cataracts, our hearts are full of worry and heartache. Understanding the causes of cataracts in dogs is like mastering a key to protect their healthy vision, which can better escort them on their health journey. ​

Congenital genetic factors play an extremely important role in the onset of cataracts in dogs. Many breeds of dogs are born with genetic defects that are prone to cataracts due to genetic inheritance. Small dog breeds such as common poodles, Pomeranians, and Schnauzers, as well as medium and large dog breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors, all have a higher incidence of congenital cataracts. These lovely dogs seem to have been quietly planted with a seed of hidden danger by fate since they were born. When they were still lively puppies, they may have begun their silent struggle with cataracts. We should give extra care and patience to these dogs who are sick due to genetic factors, because they have no right to choose and can only fight against this innate predicament under our careful care. ​

Acquired disease invasion is also a major cause of cataracts in dogs. Diabetes, a disease that is not uncommon in the dog population, often causes complications of cataracts. When a dog's blood sugar is at an unstable high level for a long time, the metabolic disorder in the body will affect the lens of the eye. The lens is like a sophisticated optical instrument and is extremely sensitive to changes in the internal environment. Excessive blood sugar will cause the protein in the lens to denature, and the originally transparent lens will gradually become turbid, like a thick layer of fog, making the dog's vision gradually blurred. In addition to diabetes, some infectious diseases of the eye, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, etc., if not treated promptly and effectively, the spread of inflammation may also affect the lens and eventually cause cataracts. Every time we see dogs at risk of vision loss due to illness, our hearts seem to be tightly grasped, and we only hope that there will be a magical power to protect them from these diseases. ​

Aging is an irresistible natural law of life and one of the common factors for cataracts in dogs. As dogs age, all organs in the body are gradually declining, and the eyes are no exception. The lens is the key structure in the eye responsible for focusing light. Under the wear and tear of the years, the fiber tissue inside it will slowly age and harden. This aging process causes the transparency of the lens to gradually decrease, and cataracts will quietly come. Dogs that were once full of energy and ran fast become slow in their movements and their eyes are no longer as bright and sharp as before. When we find that they begin to explore the surrounding environment cautiously and become slow to respond to familiar toys and calls, perhaps cataracts are quietly at work. At this time, we should accompany them and give them more care and companionship, just as they once accompanied us throughout their lives.​

Trauma, this sudden accident, may also bring a heavy blow to the dog's eyes, and then cause cataracts. Dogs are lively and active by nature, full of curiosity about the world around them. In the process of playing and exploring, they will inevitably encounter accidents. For example, they may hit sharp objects when running outdoors, or their eyes may be attacked when fighting with other animals. These traumas may directly damage the lens, destroy its internal structure, cause an imbalance in the normal metabolism of the lens, and eventually cause cataracts. Every time we see a dog in pain due to an accidental injury, we regret it and wish we could bear all the pain for them. ​

Environmental factors are also subtly affecting the incidence of cataracts in dogs. Long-term exposure to an environment with strong ultraviolet rays will cause chronic damage to the dog's eyes. Especially in the summer when the sun is strong, dogs who do not take protective measures will be exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time, and the protein in the lens is more likely to denature, increasing the risk of cataracts. In addition, chemical pollution in the living environment, such as certain detergents and pesticides, may also cause irritation and damage to the eyes if they accidentally come into contact with the dog's eyes, laying the hidden danger for the occurrence of cataracts. We always hope to create a safe and comfortable living environment for dogs, but these seemingly insignificant environmental factors may inadvertently threaten their vision health. ​

There are many reasons for dogs to suffer from cataracts, including the helplessness brought by genetic factors, as well as the influence of acquired diseases, aging, trauma and environmental factors. When our beloved dogs unfortunately suffer from cataracts, don't panic, let alone give up. We must take a scientific attitude, understand the cause of the disease, actively seek the help of veterinarians, and help them relieve pain and delay the development of the disease as much as possible through appropriate treatment methods and careful care.