Dog Cataracts Causes

 Dog CATARACTS

Dog Cataract CAUSES:  

Dog Cataracts are one of the most common problems affecting the eyes of our pets.  A cataract is a condition of the eye where the lens becomes cloudy making it difficult for the pet to see. Dog Cataracts may affect one or both eyes and may stay small or can worsen blocking light from the retina causing partial vision loss or complete blindness. Due to the diminished vision, dogs affected with dog cataracts frequently exhibit anxiety and aggression as a defensive behavior.

The causes of dog cataracts in pets can include:

> Dog Premature aging: The most common form of dog cataracts is due to the aging process.  As our pets get older their eyes have a more difficult time fighting off free radicals that cause cell damage. Exposure to ultraviolet light leads to the formation of these reactive chemical particles in the eye. Destructive free radicals attack the structural proteins, enzymes and cell membranes of the lens.

> Heavy metal poisoning: Environmental factors play a large role for any dog cataracts sufferer. Toxins are common in household cleaning products and can cause numerous health issues. If splashed into the eyes serious infections can develop.

> Diabetes – Many dogs that come down with dog diabetes will also develop dog cataracts. When a dog is diabetic, they produce higher levels of blood glucose which can change the lens of the dog eye. The excess fluid blurs the pupil and cornea reducing vision and impairs the lens structure.

> Exposure to radiation: Radiation weakens the immune system allowing destructive free radicals to attack the structural proteins, enzymes and cell membranes of the lens creating a film over the orb and diminishing vision to the extent of dog blindness.

> Injury to the eye: Dogs that suffer injury to the eyes can break blood vessels and damage retinas. The lack of nutrients to the cornea and pupil normally carried by healthy blood vessels and capillaries open the door to pathogens and bacterial infection.

> Certain drugs, such as steroids: The prolonged use of some drugs like steroids can damage natural defenses and provide an opportunity to infections and the creation of dog cataracts.