What if cataracts are secondary to retinal disease

In a situation where a retinal disease is either suspected or known, and cataract progression has been mainly responsible for the sudden progression of the visual difficulties the dog is having, surgery will allow the utilisation of what retinal function the dog has left. It is important to warn the owner that the surgery will not halt the progression of the retinal disease. I have seen cases where there has been noticeable benefits for the animal in this situation.

What are the risks involved with cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure but there are risks. The chances of having improved vision after surgery are high (80 to 90%) but 5 to 10% of dogs may suffer complications.

• Scar tissue — all dogs develop some intraocular scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue will limit vision.
• Glaucoma — occurs in some dogs that have cataract surgery. There is a breed predisposition to this problem so that good presurgical assessment is necessary to minimise this complication.
• Retinal Detachment — certainly a factor in the Bichon if cataracts are left in too long.
• Intraocular Infection — while this is rare it can cause loss of the eye.
• General Anaesthesia — these days with Isofluorane anaesthesia, fluid support and close monitoring with pulse-oximeter, maintenance and recovery from anaesthesia poses few problems with all cases going home the day of surgery.

Why do clients ask for cataract surgery

Cataracts are the most common cause of treatable visual deficits and blindness in dogs. The overriding feeling amongst most of the owners I see who present their animals for assessment, is the emotional upset of seeing their companion trying to cope with blindness. My job is to assess the advisability or not of surgery strictly on the basis of whether a good surgical result can be achieved. Once some clarity is obtained in this area then the final decision is left to the owner. I am no longer surprised at the commitment many owners have for their animals and take great delight in restoring very useful vision to most of the cases I see.

What is the owners’ input

The owners major input is in transport, paying the bill for the surgery (and hoping for an improvement in relations with the dog if there was a problem prior to surgery-payback time!),instilling drops into the eye pre and post-operatively for up to 6-8 weeks and returning after the surgery for post-operative checks. The administration of drops is most frequent in the first week after surgery then tapers off considerably.

6yo Bichon –before and after cataract surgery-note bubble of air to reinflate eye!