Just like people, dogs suffer from cataracts too. A cataract is simply any opacity or «clouding» in the lens. A healthy lens consists of 66% water and 33% protein, and under normal conditions this water/protein ratio is always in balance.
Cataracts occur when the biomechanical system of the lens is disturbed or damaged, resulting in the formation of large amounts of protein in the lens. The extra proteins cause the lens to lose its transparency, making the pupil of the eye appear cloudy or milky white.
When a cataract begins to develop, the clouding is negligible and usually does not affect your dog’s vision. Cataracts at this stage are known as «incipient cataracts.»
When a cataract enlarges and begins to cloud a larger area of the lens, it causes some blurring of vision. Cataracts at this stage are known as «immature cataracts.»
Over time, the entire lens can become cloudy and the dog will lose all vision in that eye. Cataracts at this stage are known as «mature cataracts.»
Cataracts are quite common in dogs. The most common cause of canine cataracts is diabetes, and many dogs with diabetes develop canine cataracts and will be blind within a year. A common cause of diabetes in dogs is obesity. Therefore, to prevent your dog from developing diabetes and cataracts, make sure your dog does not have overweight.
The only way to cure cataracts is surgery. While natural remedies such as herbs and vitamin supplements cannot cure or eliminate cataracts in dogs, they are effective in maintaining the health of your dog’s eyes, which in turn will prevent or delay the onset of canine cataracts. .
.
folk remedies
The damage to the lenses that causes cataracts is not reversible. However, using a holistic approach, we can try to slow the progression of deterioration.
Since canine cataracts are often caused by toxicity and oxidative stress, it makes sense to counteract the effects of toxins and free radicals in the dog’s body before they can damage the dog’s eyes.
Remedy for cataracts in dogs or canine cataracts # 1: add in food cod liver oil. To remove toxins and free radicals from the body, antioxidant supplements are essential. Dogs with cataracts have been found to have lower levels of glutathione and antioxidant ascorbate than healthy dogs. The following antioxidants can enhance glutathione production: Vitamins E and C, selenium, carotenoids, and vitamin A. A good source of vitamin A is cod liver oil.
Remedy for cataracts in dogs or canine cataracts # 2: Include fresh vegetables in the dog’s food, such as carrots and kale, as they are rich sources of antioxidants, such as carotenoids, flavonoids and lutein. Be sure to cut up some fresh vegetables and include them in your dog’s daily diet.
Remedy for cataracts in dogs or canine cataracts #3: Provide the dog with chopped blueberries in the food or in the form of a capsule, in order to protect the eye tissues. The blueberries They contain rich sources of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. In addition to being a source of powerful antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals, cranberries can improve vision and healthy eye function because:
Cranberry contains anthocyanosides that help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and reinforce connective tissue. This can improve blood circulation in the small blood vessels in the eye. With better circulation, the eyes get more oxygen and nutrients and are therefore healthier.
Anthocyanosides in blueberries have also been found to have a unique affinity for rhodopsin, which is a photosensitive pigment in the retinal rods (retinal rods are responsible for night vision and adjustments to light and dark ).
Although no research has been done on pets, research on people has found that cranberries, when mixed with vitamin E, can stop lens clouding in 97% of people with cataracts in their early stages. Since it is safe for dogs, why not give it a try?
Remedy for cataracts in dogs or canine cataracts # 4: Some holistic vets also recommend an herbal homeopathic eye drop formula called Cineraria. This formula contains the herb Cineraria Maritima, as well as homeopathic ingredients that are beneficial for the eyes (such as Euphrasia and Calcarea).
According to some holistic veterinarians, this eye drop can be effective in removing cataracts and may reduce the need for surgery. If you would like to try this formula, please consult a holistic vet..
Also know
Remedies for glaucoma in dogs or canine
Remedies for conjunctivitis in dogs
Remedies for vomiting in dogs
Remedies for canine or dog flu
Remedies to eliminate fleas in dogs
video of the month