cataract surgery

Hello, I'm new to posting but I have been reading this message board for a long time and find it a friendly helpful site, with lovely members.

I hope someone can reassure me as my little boy has just been diagnosed with a cataract in his left eye which needs surgery as it is inflamed and leaking protein. I have to give him drops twice a day to settle the inflamation, that's no problem. I'm just wondering whether any other members can relay their experience with the surgery and post operative care.

The specialist said he had had it probably since birth. I wondered why I hadn't nor any other vet hadn't noticed it before, but he said it has just matured? I'm scared he may get one in the other eye too? Though he did say the other eye was good. I have lots more questions for the specialist.

I feel really sad about it, mostly because I worry for my little guy, but also financially this is a real drain. That sounds really selfish, I know but I couldn't believe it is going to cost $3000AUD for the one eye. And that isn't counting in other appointments and tests.

So far this year I have spent approximately $1600 on him, with other issues such as unexplained reacurring diarrhea and skin allergies. Thankfully the diarrhea has settled, the skin is better for now. But now this has happened.

I'm sorry for for going on but I'm just so upset, feeling guilty for worrying about the money side and scared there may be complications as that is just my luck these days.

I have no advice but am glad you posted. I'm sure someone has dealt with this and will have some advice for you.

My Pippin had cataract surgery in both eyes in June 2006 when he was less than 3 years old. The surgery went smoothly and he has made a full recovery. Lots of pills and eye drops and eye vet visits after the surgery, but that slowly tapered off. I was able to stop the eye drops in April 2007. He now only has to go to the eye vet every 6 months to make sure he is OK.

I know what you mean about re-occurring health problems. My Pip and Merry too have had numerous problems. I have been there too. Merry was going to the dermatology vet for allergies at the same time I was taking Pippin to the eye vet. Merry also has cataracts, but they have not grown and I am thankful for that.

If you have specific questions, feel free to Private Message me and I would be happy to share my experience with you in more detail.

So sorry to hear that your little one is having lots of health issues. I do hope that things improve and his cataract surgery goes well. I send my good wishes your way. :hug: I'm also so glad you joined this group

Cataract surgeries are said to be particularly expensive because they can only be done by specialists and are very delicate.

This site has some good info: http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/cataract.htm

You could choose not to have the surgery if he still has one good eye for vision, but you'd need to give him drops all his life and I guess they can have complications later, too.

You should inform the breeder that you have had all these issues -- cataracts are inherited so the breeder would want to amend his/her breeding programme with such information, for example. If you haven't discussed these problems with the breeder, I'd do so -- a reputable breeder will give a lot of support and information and may in some cases, offer some financial support for all this work.

As a very general point, the reason for carefully choosing a breeder who works toward optimal health, conformation and temperament is because the chances of health issues like this are far, far lower and if they do arise, people won't be left alone trying to understand the issues -- the breeder will usually be very helpful and supportive. The puppy may be more expensive to start with but serious health issues cost a lot to address and the extra investment is well worth it. I hope you will also be able to get such support.

I don't know anything about cataract operation but I just wanted to say that I hope all goes well with you furbaby. Sending lots of good wishes your way :hug: :hug:

Cataract operation

Hello Hollystar,

I know exactly what you are going through as my little blenheim boy was diagnosed with invasive juvenile cataracts in both eyes and he was only 6 months, he had to have operation on both eyes at a cost of £1200.The opthamologist fitted new lens to both eyes, what a marvelous, and gentle and caring man he was, I had 100% faith and trust in him before he did the op. It went very well and what was needed for me to, give pain killers and administer drops., and to be very , very careful he didnt get his eyes scratched. He has been back for further check ups, and still has drops twice a day, which was for 6 months after surgery, it is almost 5 months, he is fine and had no problems at all.(with his eyes that is, as he has other issues) It was very scary as he went blind overnight. I bought him from a very well respected breeder/judge and paid quite a lot of money for him but found out later that both the mam and dad hadnt eye tests, and also that the mother of the dam was the same mother to the sire., which meant they were half sister and brother, which I have since found out isnt good, so all I can say is that even if you go to a good breeder there are still no guarantees. The breeder in question returned well less than half of what I paid for him.I hope everything goes well for you, and please try and put your trust in the opthamologist, a big hug to your baby, let me know how you get on, you can PM me if you so wish. Take care

Thanks to all your lovely replies, I feel much better for them. This is such a welcoming forum, I have been on others where you get jumped on for the slightest thing.

Charleen and Joan, I might just take you up on the offer of pm with some possible questions. Your experience here would be a great help. You both sound so positive and that is reassuring. I'm glad your little ones have recovered so well.

I've been so disheartened when things kept cropping up. I felt like I was failing, crazy thought I know, because it's not something I can control. I have a little girl too and she no issues at all so this is why I'm so surprised.I guess I was naive, but I never thought there would be mutiple issues.

Both my dogs were bought from registered well respected breeders. I had both dogs looked over by my vet, and they were both deemed healthy. I guess at the end of the day, as you said Joan, there are no guarantees that a dog will remain health issue free.

I am yet to find out whether he may be diabetic, though he doesn't present with the usual symptoms of excessive thirst or urination. So fingers crossed, as this may well be a possiblity my vet explained. If he is diabetic I guess that will raise more issues with surgery and post op.

Karlin, thanks for the link, I shall check it out now. In regards to the surgery I was told this has to be done. If the eye was not operated on there could be real problems. So there is no other option. It has to do with the fact that it is leaking and causing inflamation in the eye. I will clarify with the specialist when I see him next.

Anyway, one step at a time.We will get my boy fixed and healthy. Thankyou all for replying and reassuring me. I will keep adding to this thread with updates. I appreciate the support and well wishes.

Awww, I hope everything works out ok, they are a worry at times but much loved as well.