Starting at approximately 8 years of age, we recommend an annual visit where the veterinarian can check weight, general physical condition, and perform blood tests or other exams if necessary. During these check-ups, diseases that do not yet show clinical signs can be diagnosed, and early treatment can slow down the progression or development of such conditions.

In this article, we will focus on the most common vision defect in geriatric companion animals: cataracts. One of the most frequent ocular conditions we see in veterinary practice is cataracts. Their origin is usually associated with age and the degeneration of the lens due to the increase in its layers and the oxidative damage it suffers during its life. Other causes of cataract appearance can include diabetes mellitus, blows or trauma, congenital/hereditary factors, or retinal atrophy.

How does a cataract form?

The lens is a structure made of several layers located inside the eye; its function is to focus light so that it projects properly onto the retina. With the passage of time and the natural aging process, the lens tends to accumulate additional layers. This gradual process of layer accumulation can make the lens denser and less transparent.

How to detect if our pet has cataracts?

At home, we may suspect the presence of cataracts, but it will be the veterinarian who confirms the diagnosis and indicates the treatment we can offer our pet. If detected and treated in time, cataracts should not pose a significant problem. At home, we may see a certain whitish or bluish opacity (at the beginning) in the lens. If the cataract has progressed further, we will clearly see the opacity or notice the animal bumping into obstacles due to vision difficulties.

In the initial phases (A, B), when it is not yet mature, there are still non-surgical treatment options, such as supplementing the diet with vitamins and antioxidants to slow down the onset of cataracts. Specialized nutritional supplements like Occulus+ by Dr+Vet could be used, which is focused on providing vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidant minerals to delay the evolution of the disease.

Once the cataract has evolved (C), a veterinary specialist will indicate the best surgical solution after an exhaustive review of the pet's health and vision status. Cataracts are an operable disease with a high success rate (around 90%). Typically, post-surgical recovery involves a few days of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops until medical discharge.

Phases of Cataracts

Figure 1. Phases of cataracts in dogs: A. Initial phase B. Immature cataract C. Mature cataract (surgical point)

As the lens becomes less transparent, light can no longer pass through it clearly. In simple terms, the additional layers in the lens alter its original structure, causing irreversible damage that affects its ability to focus light properly on the retina.

The Dr+Vet Formula: Occulus+

As mentioned earlier, at Dr+Vet we offer the nutritional supplement Occulus+, recently reformulated to increase its antioxidant potential with Alpha Lipoic Acid. This product contains abundant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant components that promote overall eye health and help slow the progression of the disease.

To learn more about this product, you can read the blog specifically dedicated to the product and its reformulation: https://drvet.pet/presentamos-occulus-proteccion-del-cristalino-mejorada/