What Is It: A cataract is any opacity which develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope. The opacity ranges from small marks that barely interfere with vision to deeply clouded lenses that cause blindness. High blood pressure, diabetes, and eye inflammation or trauma can cause cataracts and blindness at any age; otherwise, normal aging can also result in a gradual loss of vision. Cataracts are inherited. Tear production also diminishes with age, leading to other vision problems, such as dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
Symptoms: Blue-gray tinted eye lens
Treatment: A veterinary ophthalmologist can surgically remove most cataracts with a success rate of 90 percent in dogs (somewhat less in cats). Intraocular lenses can now be implanted to help with vision focus and acuity. Oral and localized medication is compulsory after surgery to prevent infections. As cataracts are closely connected to diabetes, treating this disease will reduce the chances of your pet developing cataracts in the first place.
Dental Disease
What Is It: Almost 90 percent of pets over five years old have some degree of dental disease. Animals do not commonly get cavities, but are prone to gum disease and mouth infections. When tartar buildup becomes severe, it can irritate and retract the gum line, eventually leading to tooth loss. Severe dental disease can also leak bacteria into the bloodstream, which in turn can lead to serious kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Symptoms: Excessive tartar buildup, bad breath (halitosis), gum inflammation, dark or discolored teeth, drooling, difficulty eating.
Treatment: Feeding a dry diet will help keep the teeth clean. Chew toys and dental treats can reduce plaque. If you start at a young age, most pets can become accustomed to daily brushing. For advanced cases, veterinarians can provide scaling, an in-depth cleaning process that removes tartar from below the gum line. Root canals and teeth removal may become necessary for animals in pain.