My dog has been bumping into things lately, and his eyes look kinda cloudy. Took him to the vet, and they said it’s cataracts. Apparently, it’s more common in older pets, but I had no idea. Anyone else dealt with this? What are my options?
Yeah, my cat had cataracts too. It wasn’t painful for him, but he started getting confused and clumsy. The vet said surgery could help, but it’s expensive.
Scout said:
Yeah, my cat had cataracts too. It wasn’t painful for him, but he started getting confused and clumsy. The vet said surgery could help, but it’s expensive.
How expensive are we talking?
@Ira
For dogs, it’s like $3500 to $4500 per eye. Cats are around $3500 per eye too.
Did your vet mention if eye drops help at all? My friend’s dog had early-stage cataracts, and they tried drops instead of surgery.
West said:
Did your vet mention if eye drops help at all? My friend’s dog had early-stage cataracts, and they tried drops instead of surgery.
They said if the cataract covers less than 15% of the eye, drops might help. Otherwise, surgery is the best bet.
I heard some breeds are more at risk for cataracts. Do you know if your dog’s breed is prone to them?
Wren said:
I heard some breeds are more at risk for cataracts. Do you know if your dog’s breed is prone to them?
Yeah, apparently Labradors, Poodles, Huskies, and Boston Terriers are more prone. What breed is your friend’s dog?
@Vern
He’s a Shih Tzu! Looks like they’re on the list too.
My dog got cataracts from diabetes. It’s wild—80% of diabetic dogs get them within 16 months. Are you sure your dog doesn’t have diabetes?
Tate said:
My dog got cataracts from diabetes. It’s wild—80% of diabetic dogs get them within 16 months. Are you sure your dog doesn’t have diabetes?
Good question. The vet didn’t mention diabetes, but I’ll ask. Didn’t know there was such a high link!
Pet insurance might help with the cost. I got it when my dog was young, and now it covers part of his treatments.
Wilder said:
Pet insurance might help with the cost. I got it when my dog was young, and now it covers part of his treatments.
Did they cover cataract surgery fully, or just part of it?
@Vern
Just part of it, but it still helped a lot. Without insurance, I’d be paying everything out of pocket.