Eye diseases: Cataracts and glaucoma in dogs

What is the difference between cataracts and glaucoma?

Cataracts make the lens milky and cloudy. You can recognise it by your dog’s eye looking as if covered by a grey veil. The clouding develops over weeks to months.

Glaucoma is more insidious: here, the pressure in the eye rises to double or triple the normal value. The eye itself remains clear initially, but the optic nerve is damaged. Without treatment, a dog can go blind within 24-48 hours.

Which dog breeds most commonly get cataracts?

Hereditary cataracts particularly affect Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. In these breeds, the clouding can begin as early as 2-3 years of age.

Golden Retrievers and Labradors usually develop cataracts only from the 6th year of life onwards. Diabetes can trigger cataracts in all breeds, in which case they develop within a few weeks.

How do I recognise glaucoma in my dog?

A dog with glaucoma blinks excessively or scratches its eye desperately. These are pain reactions to the increased intraocular pressure.

Further warning signs: the affected eye tears heavily, the pupil does not react to light, and the eyeball may appear enlarged. Shar Peis and Basset Hounds have a predisposition for this disease.

When do I need to go to the vet immediately?

If you suspect glaucoma: immediately. Every hour without treatment can cost vision.

With cataracts, you have more time, but do not wait longer than a week. A fully clouded lens is harder to operate on than a partially clouded one.

Can my dog see again after treatment?

Cataracts: With timely surgery, vision returns in 90% of cases. The lens is replaced by an artificial lens, as in humans.

Glaucoma: Speed counts here. If the intraocular pressure is lowered within the first 48 hours, often 60-80% of vision is preserved. After a week, this chance drops drastically.

How expensive is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery costs 1,500-3,000 euros per eye. Most pet insurance policies cover these costs if medical necessity is proven.

Can I prevent glaucoma?

Diabetic dogs should be examined by a vet every 6 months. High blood sugar can trigger glaucoma.

Will my dog go blind if nothing is done?

Cataracts lead to slow blindness over months. Glaucoma can lead to complete blindness within 1-2 days.