At Can-C.biz half of our customers are buying the drops for their pets, which came as quite a surprise as we assumed that the figure was perhaps closer to 20%. Another assumption has recently been thwarted, not all of these pets are dogs, but cats as well.
Cataract problems are relatively rare in cats and are usually related to complications from diabetes. As with dogs, some breeds are predisposed to developing cataracts such as: Birmans, Himalayans, Persians and British Shorthairs. The good news being that the incidence is low and the cataract tends to remain small, often small enough to not be considered for surgery.
As with all cataracts it is better to catch the problem early. Mature cataracts are thicker and harder to remove with surgery and the more mature the cataract the more complications occur under the knife. We offer the same advice to people as we do to their pets - if you can see or suspect a change to the eye, seek the opinion of a medical professional.
If you notice a distinct disparity in eye clarity, increased opacity, cloudiness or a change in pupil size, go see your vet or veterinary ophthalmologist, as these changes indicate a problem.
Diabetes is certainly the most common cause of cataracts in cats. The inflammatory disease uveitis is the second most common cause of feline cataract. Should your cat's eye color change or the surface of the eye become roughened and if the pupil becomes smaller, your cat probably has uveitis. Causes of this painful condition are the feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, or feline immunodeficiency virus. Early treatment of the cause can prevent a cataract forming or reduce the effect of one that has already formed.
Like most dogs, cats love to be outside but unfortunately this puts them in harms reach and trauma to the eye is another cause of cataracts. If the outer layer of the lens is damaged your veterinarian may recommend removing the lens because damaged lenses often develop cancer in cats.
The most likely reasons for surgery would be a puncture to the eye lens or larger congenital cataracts. But as uveitis already causes inflammation to the eye, surgery can just lead to more inflammation, complications and pain.
The pre-op analysis, surgery and post-surgery checkups can cost from $1,500 to $3,000 plus the necessary post-op medication. At this time of limited financial resources, I think we are realizing why some cat owners are choosing the eye drops as an alternative option for their pet.
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