Cataracts?

[Shannon]

So my husband and I got a Goldendoodle a month or so ago and recently went to the vet for her wellness exam. We received a very disturbing call that she has cataracts -- she is only 4 months old! We are not sure yet what kind (whether they are hereditary or caused by high cholestoral -- who knew) -- but wanted to see if anyone has had experience with this....poor baby!

[2wpu1zztl11wu]

Shannon,
I am so sorry to hear about baby. What did the vet say needed to be done? Will she need to have surgery? Keep us posted.....I will keep you and her in my prayers.

[Tamara & Giada]

Oh, I am so sorry too............so young!!! I do not have experience with this, but will pray for her also:( Did you contact the breeder to see if there is a history?

[Adina P]

I'd like to hear what the vet says too. I'm so sorry...I dont know much about cataracts in dogs at all.

I would let the breeder know ASAP--It is important for breeders to be informed of these things, that's hwo they learn about the health of their lines (in addition to health testing parent dogs) . Also find out if cataracts are covered under the breeder's health guarantee and perhaps then you could get $ help with treatment costs if necessary.

We'll be thinking about puppy!

[sbis0oszc95r]

my parents just got a Mastiff puppy for free because she had cloudy eyes due to cataracts. She seems to be doing fine, even though her vision is somewhat impaired. Their vet said that the cataracts would most likely clear by a year old.

The breeder usually sells these puppies for $1500, so I would call your breeder and see if they guarantee her health or would offset your costs?

good luck!

[Patty Barnes]

So sorry Shannon. I do not have experience with dog cataracts, but I have had them. Removing them was a short operation and greatly improved my vision. I agree with those who said to contact the breeder immediately. I've been told feeding small puppies cows' milk can cause cataracts.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I am sorry to hear about your Doodle. I know it is disturbing and you are going to have to make some hard decisions. I would check to see what kind of guarantee the Pet Store gave you and what your rights under your state law are. You will then have to figure out what you are going to do. I don't know what the medical options are.

I have a Goldendoodle that is a little over a year old. He had an accident at 7 weeks old and went blind. Over the past year he has regained a lot of vision.

A dog functions very well with low vision. There is a book about called "Living with a Blind Dog". My other thought is that although many people beleive in different aids for blind or low vision dogs, I suggest that you do as little as possible. The dog will adapt. That was the advise I got from Steve of Rolling Hill dog ranch, an animal sanctuary for disabled animals.

[3ma02ksl3dwhx]

I agree about letting the dog adapt on its own. I have a 9 yr. old toy poodle, she has been blind, for a few years, she gets along very well. Walks from room to room, goes out on the deck and back in, and always knows where the kitchen is. Eating is her second favorite thing, cuddling with me is her first choice.
She has incredible hearing, and her sense of smell is even sharper than the other dogs. Their other senses are improved when they lose one.

[Shannon]

Hi all-

Thank you so much for your concern about Marley and her cataracts! Wanted to give you an update -- she had a cholesterol test and it came back normal so that is not the cause. She goes back in to get her eyes dilated again tomorrow to see if the cataracts have advanced any more or if they have stayed the same and then give the final diagnosis. We of course are concerned about her quality of life and want her to have a good one so will figure out next steps after tomorrow....

Thanks again!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Shannon - I hope it works out. Yesterday I spoke to my vet (he is also a client of mine and I consider him a friend). I asked him about cataracts in puppies - he said that his experience is that in a lot of cases they clear by themselves or once the cause of them is determined and treated they clear. I hope that this is the case with Marley.

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

That is good news!! I hope this is her case!!

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

I work in Optometry, but one of the Drs I work with is working with a Vet on making a contact lens for dogs. So we talk a lot dog eye issues. Payton my 10y has thickening of the lens. So everything he sees is foggy.
Cataracts with dogs: they can remove them, but there is not a replace lens to allow the dog to continue see as he did before.(yet) With people you have a replacement lens put in to replace the damaged lens. There is also no reliable subjective testing with dogs. They are working on perfecting this with animals. If it were my dog.I would go to the Best Optometric Vet you have in your area. They would give you the best advice for removal.

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

I'm so sorry to hear this!! Please let us know how this works out!! Poor baby!! I hope it can be fixed!! I will also pray for her!!