My 12-14 year old Shih Tzu has cataracts in both eyes, one eye worse than the other. Wondering if there is something that can and/or should be done about it, the risks of surgery, alternatives and costs. I would like feedback from other dog owners about the successes and or failures of cataract surgery for dogs before I ask my veterinarian.
My dog had cataract surgery in both eyes at about age 8. Given that small dogs have a longer lifespan, I deemed it worth the cost to get it corrected. The costs are astronomical--figure $5K per eye, with a slight discount on the second--so I don't know if it is worth it at your dog's age. Moreover, even though it is done via lasers, many vets won't put dogs that old under anesthesia.
As for its efficacy, it was great for awhile. He came out of surgery with the ability to see. But sometime later, something started leaking (the vet said pigment, not cataract protein) from an edema in one eye, so vision in his left eye was impaired again. His right eye was very good under recently, when his retina just stopped functioning without any reason.
Just estimating, my dog regained his vision for about 4-5 years before the retina issue put him out of commission again. He can see some movement out of his left eye but is pretty blind again.
Oh yes, in addition to the high costs of this surgery and the extensive and costly pre-surgery tests, your dog will be on various eye drops for the rest of his/her life. I administer two different types of drops.
If you live in an area near a university's veterinary college, the costs might be lower in their clinic...if you can get in.
Good luck!
Hi Richard. We had cataract surgery on our cat. He had cataracts in both eyes as a kitten. Had surgery on both eyes same day. Worked great. "Joey" could see immediately after surgery. 10 years later had his right eye removed due to cancerous tumor. Dr Ramsey. go to http://eye-vet.com. Great Dr.