Cataracts

Cataracts are common in older dogs and rarely in older cats. You might notice a milkiness in your pet's eyes as they age which are cataracts.

Cataracts are changes in the fibers in the lens of the eye which are found behind the iris and the pupil. A healthy lens is transparent and used for focusing to enable clear, sharp vision, and through the lens adjustments enable dogs or cats to see things clearly, up close and far away.

Cataracts often occur in dogs or cats with diabetes, and are found in older pets that have immune disorders, a chronic disease, chronic skin problems, hip dysplasia and ear problems.

Senile cataracts are the most common type. They tend to occur simultaneously in both eyes.

The following breed of dogs tend to get cataracts sooner and more frequently: Afghans, Cockers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden retrievers, Labradors, Schnauzers, Old English Sheepdogs, Huskies Poodles, Westies and Springers.

Although the exact cause is not known, chemical changes within the lens may contribute to cataract development. Other factors such as genetics, congenital defects, eye infection, trauma to the eye, nutritional deficiencies (especially carotenoid deficiencies which are the red, orange and yellow plant pigments that give fruits and vegetables their vivid colors and provide potent antioxidant protection), exposure to heat or radiation, toxins, eye disorders or diabetes may also be associated with cataracts.

It has been our experience that natural remedies for cataracts in pets have been extremely useful. See the remarks by pet owners of animals with cataracts.

Cineraria Eyedrops - Cineraria is the traditional homeopathic remedy found in the Ophthalmology section of the Physicians Desk reference for over 25 years as a treatment for cataracts. The government of India has stated that "Cineraria is the drug of choice to halt or reverse cataracts". Homeopathy ignites the healing process, Nutraceuticals provide the fuel.

Can-C Eyedrops - (see research on Can-C & pets below) These N-acetylcarnosine eye-drops have been shown in research studies to help improve cataracts, and possibly enable the patient to keep their natural lens avoiding the need for cataract surgery.

Can-C - 3 box discount, Can-C - 6 box discount, Can-C - 12 box discount.

BIO-C Formula for Pets - Recommended as a general supplement.

Visioplex Formula for Pets - Eyebright and bilberry, two herbs intergral to holistic cataract treatment, are the primary ingredients.

Control Study: Thirty dogs, (60 eyes) received topical application of Can-C 1% N-acetylcarnosine eye drop solution twice daily to cataracts.

• Improved visual behaviour of the animals within weeks of treatment.
• Cataract reversal starts from the periphery of the cataract followed by increased transparency of the lens.
• 96% of canine eyes treated with N-acetylcarnosine (Can-C) showed notable improvements.
• Dogs with both immature and ripe cataracts showed significant visual improvement.

Current Drug Therapy, 2006, Vol. 1, No. 1 107 - Excerpt from; "TREATMENT OF AGE- RELATED CATARACTS IN CANINES" - Mark Babizhayev MA PhD