25
May
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. But most diabetic dogs start to feel a lot better once they are on regular insulin.
Diabetic cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in humans and the same is true for dogs.
Does diabetes make a dog go blind. Unfortunately a common complication of diabetes in dogs is cataracts cloudy lenses. In fact 75 of dogs develop cataracts and blindness in both eyes within 9 months of being diagnosed with diabetes. Why has my dog with diabetes gone blind.
Dogs with diabetes are at increased risk of developing cataracts. Where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and stops light entering the eye. This is because the high sugar levels in a diabetic dogs blood can affect the structure of the lens and cause it to become opaque.
This can happen rapidly or more slowly over a period of weeks and months. Studies find that three out of four dogs develop blindness from cataracts within a year of being diagnosed with diabetes. Learn how diabetes becomes so problematic for dogs.
What Happens with Diabetes in Dogs. Diabetes in dogs occurs when the body fails to produce adequate stores of insulin. Typically the body converts foods eaten by a dog into glucose.
The pancreas produces the insulin necessary to. It is estimated that about 80 of the dogs with diabetes will develop cataracts to some degree. Sometimes such conditions can get worse leading to blindness.
If you start to see your dog with cloudy eyes visit a vet for a checkup. If caught early there are measures to alleviate this condition and help your dog get better. Blindness is a frequent occurrence in diabetic dogs less frequent in diabetic cats.
Hyperglycemia in dogs causes both cataracts and retinopathy either of which alone can cause blindness in a few days or weeks. Blood glucose levels as low as 250mgdL 140 mmolL can cause blindness in dogs. Diabetic dogs are more prone to other health issues and also have a 70 chance of going blind due to cataracts.
There are two types of canine diabetes. Insulin-deficient diabetes and insulin-resistant diabetes also known as known as type 1 and type 2. Usually dogs dont go blind that quickly from cataracts from Diabetes.
I wouldnt put her down yet. I would see another vet if your current vet is not willing to talk to you or show you bloodwork. I dont think the insulin would cause blindness.
What other questions do you have. We would have done it but he had PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy so he was going blind slowly over a year or two before the cataracts made it happen overnight 2 months after he was dx with diabetes. If I hit the Mega Millions Jackpot about 200 Million tonight I will devote my time and all that money to blind dogs.
They have so much love to give. Ive visited the blind dogs website and there are adoptions there. Some dogs like people are born blind.
Symptoms of SARDS in Dogs. Prior to blindness many dogs will have difficulty navigating around the house and yard. They may bump into things or show caution in their movements.
About 40-50 of dogs with SARDS also have increased water consumption increased urination increased food consumption and weight gain. These symptoms persist after the onset of blindness especially the. Diabetes mellitus develops when your dogs body loses its ability to produce insulin on its own.
Insulin therapy administered through injections underneath your dogs skin is widely used to help your diabetic dog regulate its blood glucose. As essential as insulin is to a diabetic dog it carries with it a number of side effects. These side effects are potentially life-threatening and should be reported to a veterinarian.
Causes of Blindness in Dogs. Glaucoma Very painful increased pressure of the fluids in the eye that damages the optic nerve and retina. Cataracts Painless cloudiness of the eye lens that produces partial or complete blindness.
Diabetes One in. Possible causes of blindness include. Changes to the lens inside the eye s.
Common in older dogs and diabetics. Increased pressure inside the eye. Inflammation inside the eye.
Disease at the back of the eye such as retinal detachment SARDS and PRA. There is no need to euthanize a dog because he will go blind get him on treatment and see how he does. If he responds to insulin treatment and feels good then go with it but if he doesnt respond and doesnt feel good then it would be best to put him down.
But most diabetic dogs start to feel a lot better once they are on regular insulin. While several conditions can cause your dog to go blind quickly. If your veterinarian says your dog has Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome SARDS then that is the culprit of your dogs.
Most diabetic dogs will develop cataracts and go blind. This web page is arranged as an FAQ to assist the owners of diabetic dogs in knowing what to expect and in decision-making regarding cataract surgery. WHAT IS A CATARACT.
A cataract is an opacity in the lens of the eye. Diabetes is an increasingly common cause of blindness in dogs. One in 10 dogs will become diabetic and 75 of diabetic dogs will eventually go blind.
Glaucoma is a condition that causes pressure to build up in one or both eyes which leads to blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are a cloudy film that grows over the eye. If two dogs are any indication Iowa State University veterinary researchers may have found a cure for a previously incurable disease that causes dogs to go blind suddenly.
Cataracts in Dogs Due to Diabetes. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. Diabetic cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in humans and the same is true for dogs.
The majority of canine patients with diabetes develop cataracts within six months of diagnosis and 80 percent do so within 16 months. If your dog does have diabetes your vet can also help guide you through the treatment process helping you ensure the best outcome for your dog. Your vet will most likely recommend a food specially formulated for diabetic dogs.
This food helps regulate blood sugar levels. Your vet will likely encourage you to give no table food or extra treats as these additions to the diet can.