cataract surgery - Paw Talk

Benji_2000 · #1 08-29-2005, 09:43 PM

We have a 12 year old male Lahsa Apso mix, Benji, and were told by the vet about 3 weeks ago that our little guy has cataracts. It was obvious to us that his vision was getting worse.

The surgery and treatment costs over $2,000. Does this work? Do the cataracts come back? Any risk of doing this to Benji at his age?

Thanks for your help.

***Jade*** · #2 08-29-2005, 10:17 PM

This is on our company website and was written by our Ophthalmologists - it may help.

http://www.carolinavet.com/cataract.htm

s0nicst4r · #3 08-30-2005, 12:51 AM

My best friend's dog had cataracts, had the surgery, was home the same day, and never had them again, or complications. It all depends. Animals adapt way easier to being blind than humans do... especially if they have another dog in the house to sort of be their 'guide dog'. It's expensive surgery, no doubt, but if you feel your little buddy has alot of good years left, it might be worth it. My friend's dog is doing great after surgery almost 2 years ago.

Benji_2000 · #4 08-30-2005, 08:43 PM

Thanks for this helpful link.

Benji_2000 · #5 08-31-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s0nicst4r


	My best friend's dog had cataracts, had the surgery, was home the same day, and never had them again, or complications. It all depends. Animals adapt way easier to being blind than humans do... especially if they have another dog in the house to sort of be their 'guide dog'. It's expensive surgery, no doubt, but if you feel your little buddy has alot of good years left, it might be worth it. My friend's dog is doing great after surgery almost 2 years ago.

Thank you for this helpful reply.

Is part of what you are saying is that without cataract surgery it is possible that Benji will go blind? His vision is now impaired, but he has only been seen by our regular vet not a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Benji_2000 · #6 08-31-2005, 07:49 PM

Just got call from our vet saying Benji will go blind without cataract surgery so we are going to take him to a specialist.

We take him on trips so a complete loss of sight would cause a multitude of problems on the road.

Benji_2000 · #7 09-03-2005, 01:28 PM

Our appointment with the veterinary ophthalmologist is next Thursday. If it is not too late for cataract surgery, what are the primary risks faced by a 12 year old Lhasa Apso mix?