Caring for your dog’s health involves more than regular walks and good nutrition—it also means keeping an eye on their vision. Just like humans, dogs can develop eye conditions that affect their eyesight.
One of the most common complications in diabetic dogs is cataracts. Understanding how cataracts develop in dogs — especially due to diabetes — can help you protect your pet’s vision and overall quality of life.
What are cataracts in dogs?
Cataracts in dogs occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing dogs’ vision and potentially leading to blindness. When cataracts form in dogs’ eyes, they block and scatter light, preventing sharp images from forming on the retina.
Cataracts may start as subtle cloudiness but can progress quickly, severely affecting your dog’s eyesight.
If left untreated, dog cataracts can cause further complications such as lens-induced uveitis or glaucoma, potentially leading to irreversible blindness.
How does diabetes cause cataracts in dogs?
Diabetic cataracts in dogs are caused by persistently high blood sugar levels. Excess glucose in the lens is converted into sorbitol, which accumulates and draws in water. This causes the lens fibres to swell, rupture, and become opaque—resulting in rapid cataract formation, often in both eyes.
Many diabetic dogs can develop cataracts within weeks or months of diagnosis, making dogs’ eye care a critical part of managing their diabetes.
How to diagnose cataracts in diabetic dogs
Early detection of cataracts in dogs’ eyes is vital. At our clinic, we use detailed ophthalmic examinations — such as slit-lamp biomicroscopy — to identify early changes in the lens. Subtle signs like vacuoles, altered pupillary responses, or haziness can indicate the onset of diabetic cataracts in dogs.
We recommend regular eye check-ups for diabetic dogs to monitor their vision and catch cataract development before it becomes severe.
Dog cataract surgery and costs
Currently, the only proven treatment for cataracts in dogs is surgery. The most common method is phacoemulsification, where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one.
Dog cataract surgery cost in our clinic is £4,300 for both eyes. While this is a significant investment, it can restore functional vision and prevent painful complications.
Early surgery also reduces the risk of secondary conditions like glaucoma that can permanently damage dogs’ eyes.
Prognosis for diabetic dogs after cataract surgery
With early intervention and no additional complications, the prognosis after dog cataract surgery is excellent. More than 85% of dogs regain usable vision. However, dogs with long-standing cataracts or other diabetic complications may face a guarded outcome.
Without surgery, cataracts typically lead to blindness, eye pain, and, in some cases, the loss of the eye itself.
How to prevent cataract and vision loss in dogs
To help prevent cataracts in diabetic dogs, maintaining tight blood sugar control is essential. Routine vet visits, especially with a veterinary ophthalmologist, allow for early detection of changes in dogs’ eyesight.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour—such as bumping into furniture or hesitating in low light—it’s time for a pet eye exam.
Cataracts in dogs, particularly those related to diabetes, can seriously impact your dog’s vision and comfort. But with timely diagnosis and surgical intervention, your dog has a strong chance of regaining their eyesight.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s cataracts or want to learn more about the cost of cataract surgery, please contact us.
We are here for you. Request an appointment and get in touch with one of our specialised ophthalmologists.
Also, feel free to explore our prices. Your pet’s health is in good hands!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How quickly can cataract develop in diabetic dogs?
Diabetic cataract can develop very rapidly, even overnight in some cases.
2. Are all diabetic dogs destined to get cataracts?
No, not all diabetic dogs are destined to develop cataract but a large proportion of cases, up to 80%, will proceed to develop cataract.
3. If my dog’s diabetes is stable, does this mean that they are less likely to develop cataract?
Unfortunately, there is no direct correlation between the control of diabetes and likelihood to develop cataract and all diabetic dogs face the same risk.