Our Experience with Cataracts

Tyler's eyes began watering about a month after his diabetic diagnosis. Since it was late spring, we thought it was an allergy. However, it was constantly getting worse. Both vets Tyler saw said there wasn't a problem.

Tyler lost his eyesight in Sept 97. The day before-he had been at his vets for an all day test. His vet had made the remark he didn't think Tyler's cataracts would cause a problem.

When his sight went so suddenly, his vet was convinced Tyler had SARD or PRA. He had consulted an ophthalmologist he normally doesn't refer patients to (he was the only one he could get hold of on a weekend), who advised him no ophthalmologist would see Tyler until he was stabilized. I believe he might have meant they wouldn't do surgery until he was stabilized.

After physically looking at Tyler's eyes, his vet realized it was his cataracts. In Nov we saw an ophthalmologist for the first time. We were prepared and expecting to have cataract surgery done. Devastatingly, we learned this was never going to happen. Tyler's watery eyes all this time was an inflammation caused by the cataracts, which allowed lens protein to leak into his eyes. The inflammation in turn caused severe scar tissue-especially over the pupil. It also caused secondary glaucoma. He also had fat deposits in his eyes-which puts him at risk of having retinal detachments. Surgery would be a BIG risk, without any possibility of success.

Tyler was started on prednisone eye drops (Pred-Forte) to control the inflammation and glaucoma. It elevated his BG level requiring more insulin. In Dec he was put on Voltaren (topical eye drop) twice a day. Voltaren doesn't affect his BG. Pred-Forte is only used now if the inflammation flares up again. Since March 98, the Voltaren has controlled his inflammation and the glaucoma pressure is normal.

At first it was hard to realize Tyler didn't have to be permanently blind. The ophthalmologist had said if we had brought him in at the onset of his cataracts, medication could have been given to counteract the damage that was done by the inflammation. But we had to move pass this and get on with helping Tyler adjust.

A word of advice: Your regular vet does not have the special equipment or knowledge to see problems that are happening within your dogs eyes. At the first sign of a problem (or even at the onset of the cataract) please see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible! It is very important for you too see an ophthalmologist at the onset of your dogs cataract. They can examine your dogs eyes, tell you what to look for (complication wise) and prescribe you eyedrops or meds to counteract any complications that may arise.

cajones_2000@yahoo.com
Last Date updates 2/15/2000