Canine Diabetes and Cataracts in Dogs - Can You Stop Your Dog From Going Blind?
By Darlene L. Norris
It just doesn't seems fair. Your doggie companion has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, and now he's having trouble with his sight. Unfortunately, cataracts in dogs are extremely common in dogs with diabetes. In fact, most canine diabetics will develop cataracts within a year of being diagnosed with this disease.
Basics Of Cataracts
A cataract forms when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque. Since it's no longer transparent, the person or animal affected can no longer see through it. The result is blindness.
Cataracts are common is dogs. They can occur at any age, and in any breed, although most often they're seen in older dogs and in dogs with diabetes.
Why do Diabetic Dogs get Cataracts?
All cataracts develop in the same way, whether the pet has diabetes or not. The lens in your pet's eye is normally in a dehydrated state, compared to the rest of the body. There is a delicate balance between water and protein, which ensures that the lens remains clear.
If this balance is upset, more water is absorbed into the lens, which causes it to become cloudy and opaque. When diabetes strikes, the blood sugar levels rise all over the body. Glucose in the eyeball is absorbed into the lens. In turn, this causes the lens to absorb more water, which causes the cloudiness and vision loss in cataracts.
This can happen very quickly, even in as short a time as a few weeks. Sometimes this is the first symptom of canine diabetes that a pet owner will notice.
How Are Cataracts In Dogs Treated?
Cataracts are treated with surgery. Most canines who have cataract surgery regain their vision. If you decide not to have the surgery, your pet will become blind.
Believe it or not, blind dogs do very well. It's usually more of a problem for the owner than it is for the pet. Blind dogs adjust quickly, and can live long, happy lives. You will need to have your vet monitor your pet's eyes to prevent any other complications.
Prevention Is The Best Cure For Canine Diabetes
Did you know that diabetes in dogs can be prevented? The best way to do this is to keep your pet from becoming overweight. Obesity in dogs leads to many health problems. Feed him a high-quality food that's high in fiber and low in fat. Avoid dog treats and foods that are high in sugar. This includes table scraps.
Exercise is a wonderful way to keep your pet's blood sugar levels where they should be. Most people don't realize that a canine needs at least an hour and a half of exercise every day to burn off excess calories and extra energy. Daily exercise will keep him in top shape.
Some people ask if natural remedies for dogs can cure diabetes. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once a dog develops this condition, he'll more than likely have to be on insulin for the rest of his life.
However, these remedies can be helpful in preventing this disease. The herbs goat's rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium, have been shown to be safe and effective in regulating blood sugar levels in both pets and their people.
While it's fresh on your mind, learn more about how natural remedies for dogs can prevent this disease.
Darlene Norris has combined her experience working at a vet clinic with her long-time interest in natural healing to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Diabetes Control. Learn how you can use natural remedies for dogs to prevent canine diabetes by visiting http://NaturalPetDiabetesControl.com
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