Cataracts could be the cause when your dog starts bumping into furniture or when they appear reluctant to walk in low light. How dissimilar-looking their eyes are – particularly when your formerly lively dog suddenly appears to be confused at what is going on. The most common question that most dog parents would ask at this point is: Is cataract surgery worth it for dogs?
We will see what dog cataract surgery actually inv,olves, the cost involved, the risk involved, the success rate of the surgery, and finally, whether it is the best decision to undertake on behalf of your furry family member.
What Does Cataract Surgery For Dogs Mean?
A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye, which is supposed to be clear, becomes opaque and prevents light from penetrating, and the dog is unable or becomes unable to see. In some cases, cataracts occur as a result of old age, and in others, they occur due to diabetes, trauma, or genetics.
Cataract removal is the only useful treatment for dogs, also known as phacoemulsification, which is a medical intervention. It is a sensitive procedure during which a veterinary ophthalmologist introduces a small incision, and the cloudy lens is disrupted and destroyed with ultrasound, after which, in many cases, the veterinarian ophthalmologist replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This lens is used to bring your dog back to the normal range of vision – and in most cases, this restores the vision of your dog.
According to PetMD, cataract surgery is performed normally with general anesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours, depending on the condition of the dog.
What is The Cost of Cataract Surgery for Dogs?
The price can differ significantly depending on your location, the size of your dog, and the fact of eye sight damage in both eyes. Here is a general range:
United States: 2$,700 -$4,000 on average per eye.
National Average: Approximately $3,600, although it may go up to over 5,000.
United Kingdom: Approximately £4,000 -5,000 per eye in specialist hospitals.
You will also have to plan on spending on pre-surgery tests, such as an ultrasound or an ERG to verify the retina condition, post-surgery eye drops, and post-visit. These extras may cost an additional number of hundreds of dollars.
Although it is not a small investment, a majority of the owners have indicated that it is worth it as soon as their dog sees with its eyes.
How Successful is Cataract Surgery in Dogs?
The good news? Surgery on the cataract of dogs is very successful when it is performed by a qualified expert and on the appropriate patient.
Most dogs, according to PetMD, restore their functional sight following surgery by 85-90%. According to the Royal Veterinary College, the success rate is the same – about 9 dogs out of 10 have a good outcome.
According to long-term research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, 80% of dogs have their eyesight for at least 2.5 years after the operation.
The best results are achieved in cases where the retina is sound and where no problems with other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment.
Dogs, in most cases, would walk out of the surgery the following day with a new sight- being able to recognize their owners, wag their tails, and behave like their former selves. It is an amazing revolution.
The Complications and Risks to Be Aware Of
Although the dog cataract surgery is not considered risky in general, the following are some of the possible risks:
Anesthesia complications: Older dogs or diabetic dogs.
Inflammation (uveitis): This happens in most cases after surgery, but it is normally taken care of through medications.
Glaucoma: Later on, high eye pressure may develop.
Retinal detachment: Uncommon; severe; can result in permanent vision loss.
Infection or corneal ulcers: These can be prevented using after-care.
VMC at the University of Saskatchewan further writes that in case of such complications as glaucoma or retinal detachment, the vision can be lost, and only in extremely rare cases, the eye might have to be removed.
But with the right follow-up and regular use of the eye-drop, the majority of dogs get better and continue to have their sight for many years.
Is Cataract Surgery Worth It For Dogs?
Is it then worth the money, time, and effort? For most dogs – absolutely yes. Here is why:
Improving life quality: The regained vision allows the dogs to run, play, and explore once more.
Confidence: Dogs become independent and cease to be anxious or disoriented.
Long-term advantage: A significant number of dogs live years of clear vision following the operation with good care.
However, it is not suitable for all pets. It may not be worth it, should your dog:
- Suffers from other severe health conditions or cannot safely receive anesthesia.
- Has retinal disease or permanent loss of vision.
- It is either old or has with short life expectancy.
- You cannot handle the invasive post-surgery treatment, namely, eye drops, and follow-ups.
In short, cataract surgery may restore the world for your dog, but only provided that they are a good patient and you are ready to share the responsibility.
Life After Cataract Surgery
A success largely depends on post-operative care. It will require a mixture of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops that will be administered multiple times a day by your vet (usually over a few weeks). The dog will also need an Elizabethan collar (cone) to keep him or her not rubbing his or her eyes and to keep him or her not playing roughly after a month. The typical times of follow-up visits are:
- 1 week
- 3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- … and then after every 6-12 months thereafter.
Dogs come back to their regular lives in a series of weeks – and in many cases, the outcome is life-changing, as claimed by their owners.
Conclusion
Almost every time, dog cataract surgery is worth it as long as your veterinarian tells you that your dog has the appropriate eyes and health to undergo surgery. It may be expensive, but the payoff – having your pet running merrily through the world again is invaluable.
One ophthalmologist of the veterinary profession said:
“You don’t realize how much your dog was missing until they see you clearly again for the first time.”
FAQs
What is the price of cataract removal in dogs?
The average cost per eye to most pet owners in the U.S. is between $2,700 and $4,000; in some instances, this may go up to $5,800.
What is the success rate of dog cataract surgery?
Approximately 85-90% of dogs that undergo surgery recover their vision, and approximately 80 percent of them maintain their vision for several years.
Are there any risks involved?
Yes – there is a risk of inflammation, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and infection, but of these risks, proper after-care and frequent checkups can minimise.
When is my dog a good candidate for surgery?
Dogs in good general health, with healthy retinas and no advanced glaucoma, are usually great candidates. Your vet will confirm this with tests like an electroretinogram (ERG).
How long does recovery take after dog cataract surgery?
Most dogs recover within 2–4 weeks, though some need ongoing eye drops for several months. The majority return to normal activities and enjoy clear vision soon after.
