should my dog have his cataracts removed?

Hi,

My shihtzu is 4 years old and has had a mature cataract for the last 2 years in his right eye, but has been fine, now he's getting a cataract in his left eye, his eyesight is extremely poor. He will not go on his lead, and is bumping into things daily, he barks alot more, as cannot see whats approaching him. I know the surgery costs lots, but do I go ahead or not? Mixed answers from everyone, just don't know what to do for the best?

[Misfits4Me]

Hello & welcome......Since your guy is so young, this would be classified as "Juvenile Cataracts"....Because he sounds like he is extremely anxious because of his vision, and if you can afford it, I'd DO it!!  I would only do the worst eye and see if he can cope with good vision with just the one..

The anxiety, his loss of vision is causing him can & WILL lead to other disorders....So if it can be fixed, I wouldn't hesitate.....I have read stories of the DELIGHT that these dogs experience when given their vision back!  It's amazing for the owner too, I suppose!

Good luck and keep us updated....Maybe others will post of their opinions about doing it....Karla

[ginger899]

As far as I can see, you have a choice here. Either you would like to pay out for your dog to have good eyesight and be a much relieved, much happier dog (which is what would most likely happen if the cataracts were removed)
Or you want to leave things as they are.
OK this isn't life-threatening, but it sure is taking your little dog's quality of life away, and he is so young, in the prime of life in fact.....

All you have to do is make up your mind....

[Misfits4Me]

I want to add something else here...Sorry, I was in a hurry earlier...

A Very young dog will usually go blind very quickly...Juvi Cats also usually turn into Glaucoma & become very painful which leads to needing the eye removed. This is a very different situation than cataracts that come with age.....

Juvenile Cataracts are a Congenital Defect.....        Karla

[4Maddie44]

You are lucky that you can put your dog's troubles right with cataract removal.  My 6 year old dog has gone blind with retinal atrophy, and nothing can be done.

If you can afford it, have the cataract removed.  I wish I had that choice.