It is very important to take care of our animals' diet. Poor nutrition predisposes them to obesity and diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that is closely linked to ophthalmological problems and can even lead to blindness in pets.
The disease, as in the human case, consists of an inability to produce insulin or for this hormone to function correctly. As a result, animals that suffer from it experience a prolonged state of high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
What are the Main Symptoms?
Although eye complications are closely linked to diabetes, the first clinical signs of this condition are not related to vision problems.
The symptoms to watch out for involve changes in behavior and eating patterns. For example, since glucose is eliminated in the urine, it is common for them to drink and urinate a lot. It is also possible that they eat more than usual, but despite this increased appetite, they lose weight. Another worrying sign is that they are less active.
Cataract Formation in Dogs with Diabetes
Cataract formation is the most common eye problem resulting from diabetes.
Most diabetic dogs end up developing cataracts approximately one year after being diagnosed with the disease. Therefore, their appearance does not necessarily imply poor control of the condition or the animal's diet; rather, it is a common complication. It can also occur in ferrets and cats, although it is less frequent.
What happens due to diabetic cataracts is that the lens becomes more opaque. The lens is a transparent structure located behind the iris, and its function is to focus light so that images are formed correctly. It allows animals to adjust their vision to objects at different distances: short, medium, or far.
What is the Process Like?
The animal gradually loses vision but also adapts to it, which is why it can be difficult to detect initially. Therefore, it is advisable to go for regular ophthalmological check-ups to ensure that the animal has good eye health.
In a more advanced stage, in which the entire lens or only part of it may be affected, a whitish color is seen in the pupil. In addition, the animal will have difficulty recognizing its surroundings, such as avoiding obstacles or climbing stairs.
The problem with diabetic cataracts in dogs is that they develop very quickly, and within a few weeks, they can lead to blindness. Sometimes, emergency surgery will be necessary to replace the damaged lens with an artificial one if this treatment is decided as the best way to reverse the damage. However, before any surgical intervention, it is important to have the diabetes under control.
The appearance of cataracts can not only lead to blindness but also, if they are very advanced (hypermature), increases the risk of other serious complications such as uveitis, glaucoma, or even retinal detachment.
Other Ways Diabetes Affects Eye Health
Diabetes is associated with some ophthalmological diseases, such as:
How to Prevent These Problems?
The most effective way to prevent all the eye problems associated with diabetes is to strictly control the animal's diet, subject it to veterinary check-ups and blood tests to avoid a state of hyperglycemia.
At IVeM, we are experts in veterinary ophthalmology. If you have any questions about what to do if your dog suffers from eye diseases related to diabetes, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you.
