Understanding Cataracts in Dogs

Noticing your dog’s eyes turning cloudy can be unsettling, especially if they’re bumping into furniture or hesitating in dim light. Cataracts, a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, are one of the leading causes of vision loss in dogs. They’re not uncommon, but they can be mistaken for other eye changes, like the normal bluish haze that comes with age. This article covers what cataracts are, how to recognize them, what the stages mean, and what treatment looks like, so you know what you’re dealing with and what comes next.

What are cataracts in dogs?

Cataracts occur when the lens inside your dog’s eye becomes cloudy, preventing light from reaching the retina. This results in blurry or impaired vision. Unlike the slight bluish haze caused by nuclear sclerosis (a normal aging change that doesn’t significantly affect sight), cataracts block vision and often require intervention.

Over time, untreated cataracts can lead to complications like glaucoma or retinal detachment, making it important to identify and address them early on.

Symptoms of cataracts in dogs

Early signs of cataracts can be subtle, but here are a few things to watch for:

• Cloudy or milky-looking eyes
• Bumping into furniture or walls
• Acting cautious, especially in dim lighting
• Pawing or rubbing at their eyes
• Sudden clumsiness or hesitation to climb stairs

Some cataracts, especially in the early stages, might not cause noticeable symptoms. This is why regular checkups with your vet are so essential.

Causes of cataracts in dogs

Several factors can lead to cataracts. In many cases, they’re linked to genetics. Some breeds-like Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Siberian Huskies, and Golden Retrievers-are particularly prone to hereditary cataracts.

• Genetics: Certain breeds inherit a higher risk of cataracts.
• Diabetes: About 75–80% of diabetic dogs will develop cataracts within the first year of their diagnosis
• Aging: Cataracts become more common in older dogs.
• Eye trauma or inflammation: Injuries or eye conditions like uveitis can trigger cataracts.
• Puppy nutrition: Nutritional deficiencies in orphaned puppies can result in cataracts.

Stages of cataracts in dogs

Cataracts aren’t all-or-nothing-they progress in stages, which can affect your dog’s symptoms and treatment options:

• Incipient: Less than 15% of the lens is cloudy; there’s no significant vision loss yet.
• Immature: Between 15–99% of the lens is affected, causing partial vision impairment.
• Mature: The entire lens is opaque, often leading to complete blindness.
• Hypermature: The lens starts shrinking, increasing the risk of complications like glaucoma.

Diagnosis of dog cataracts

Your vet will perform a thorough eye exam to confirm cataracts and rule out lookalikes like nuclear sclerosis. This often includes:

• An ophthalmoscope exam to check the lens and retina
• Blood work and blood pressure tests, especially if diabetes or hypertension is suspected
• Advanced tests like ocular ultrasound or electroretinogram (ERG) to assess retinal health before surgery

Treatment for dog cataracts

Surgery is the only way to restore vision once cataracts have developed. The most common procedure is phacoemulsification, where ultrasound breaks up the cloudy lens, and it’s replaced with an artificial lens.

Here’s what you should know about the surgery:

• A pre-surgical evaluation checks for retinal health using an ERG or ultrasound.
• Surgery has a success rate of around 85–95% in dogs with good retinal function and controlled inflammation, and in general, the sooner the surgery is done, the better the outcome.
• Post-op care includes daily eye drops, an Elizabethan collar worn for two to four weeks, and activity restrictions during the initial healing period.

In dogs not eligible for surgery due to complications like glaucoma or retinal damage, vets may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to manage symptoms and prevent discomfort. While some products claim to dissolve cataracts, no drops have been proven effective for this purpose.

Cost and insurance for dog cataract treatment

Cataract surgery isn’t cheap. It can range from $2,500 to $4,000 per eye, depending on your dog’s needs. Plus, follow-up visits and medications add to that total.

That’s where pet insurance comes in. At Lemonade, our pet insurance covers illnesses like cataracts (as long as they aren’t pre-existing). That includes diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up care. For breeds that are genetically predisposed, like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Golden Retrievers, getting coverage in place before any symptoms appear is especially important. Once a condition is on your dog’s medical record, it’ll likely become pre-existing and can’t be covered going forward.

Before we go

A cataract diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when surgery is on the table. But cataracts are one of the more treatable causes of vision loss in dogs, and most dogs do well with the right care. Start by booking an exam with your vet if you’ve noticed any changes in your dog’s eyes. The earlier it’s caught, the more options you have.

And if you’re thinking about pet insurance, getting coverage in place now, before any symptoms appear, means you’ll be ready for whatever comes next. Get a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

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