Cataracts

[Mel and Oreo]

Hi everyone,
I took Oreo today for his booster shots and we saw a different vet than our usual. She mentioned nothing during the visit about his eyes, but then when I went to pay the bill the receptionist read her conclusions and said he has clouding of his lenses and that they recommend seeing a board certified vet ophthalmologist for cataract removal to avoid glaucoma. I was upset. I didn't say anything there, but I do a glucose curve on Oreo tomorrow and I will email the results to our regular vet and ask her about Oreo's eyes. This is a big deal so I am not sure why she didn't say so directly to us in the examining room. I need advice. Thanks.

 

[BJM]

From the Merck Veterinary Manual (these links worked on my PC)

Lens
"Secondary glaucoma and phthisis bulbus formation are possible complications"

Note: Possible does not mean guaranteed.

Glaucoma
"In cats, medical therapy is usually the mainstay and consists of topical beta-blocking adrenergics (caution in small cats), topical carbonic anhydrase inhibiters, and for those glaucomas associated with anterior uveitis, topical and/or systemic corticosteroids."

Note: if steroids become needed, you adjust the insulin around that.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

My diabetic Mitten and Patch had cataracts and my vents only mentioned it and did not think anything of it. Both were long-term diabetes. Myc ivi Moxie has juvenile cataracts and nothing has changed in 6 years. How old is Oreo?

 

[Mel and Oreo]

Hi,
Oreo is 12 years old this May. He seems to be able to see with no issues. We did think something was different about his eyes. We thought his pupils looked dilated more than usual, but then they seemed ok. There is a clinic In Edmonton that does this type of surgery. Has anyone had this done on their cat?

 

[BJM]

Not with my cats.
Pupil dilation may be to let in more light and/or to see around the cataract.

When I had my own cataracts done, vision was a lot sharper, although I have other issues which make glare a continuing problem.