Canine Diabetes - Will Your Dog Go Blind From Cataracts in Dogs?
By Darlene L. Norris
If your canine companion has developed diabetes in dogs, he faces the threat of going blind. Cataracts in dogs are an unfortunate side effect for dogs with diabetes. Is there anything you can do to help him?
Why Are Cataracts In Dogs A Problem for Canine Diabetics?
This is only one of many problems that happen when glucose levels in your pet's blood become too high. In a nutshell, this is what happens. The lens of your pet's eye is a hard, clear structure that's normally in a dehydrated state, compared to the rest of his body. Your pet's body is 98 percent water, but the lens of his eye has a moisture level of only 66 percent.
When blood glucose levels get too high, there's also excess sugar in the fluid inside your pet's eyeball. Since the lens receives all its nutrients from this fluid, this means the sugar levels in the lens go up, as well. The lens absorbs more moisture to try to balance these levels.
Unfortunately, as the lens absorbs extra moisture, it becomes cloudy and opaque, so your pet is no longer able to see through it. When this happens, your pet will go blind.
This can happen very quickly, often in a matter of weeks. Sometimes this is the first symptom of canine diabetes that a pet owner will notice.
Is There Any Hope?
After your pet's blood sugar levels are stabilized, surgery can be performed on your pet's eyes. Usually it takes about three months before the operation can be done. Cataract surgery in canines usually has a good outcome, as over three-quarters of dogs operated on regain their sight.
This operation is quite expensive, though, and not everyone is able to afford it. It's awful to realize that your beloved pet is blind, but don't despair, as blind dogs adjust quickly. Usually the owner is more upset over it than the pet is. A blind dog can live happily for many years, although your vet will have to monitor his eyes to be sure no more complications develop.
With Diabetes In Dogs, Prevention Is The Best Cure
Know the risk factors for canine diabetes. Some you can't avoid, like certain breeds being more prone to this disease, but some you can. One of the biggest risk factors is an overweight pet. The best thing you can do for your obese pup is to put him on a diet, pronto. He won't appreciate it, but you'll be saving him from many health problems in the future.
Ignore those big brown eyes pleading with you for a treat. Instead, show your love for him by feeding him a dog food that's low in fat and high in fiber. When he wants a treat, redirect his attention by playing with him or going for a long walk.
By the way, exercise is a great way to naturally regulate your pet's blood sugar levels. With regular exercise and the proper diet, he'll soon be his trim self again.
Natural remedies for dogs can be very helpful in keeping your pet's blood glucose at normal levels. Many pet owners have had quite a bit of success using a remedy that contains goat's rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium. Research has shown that these ingredients are safe and effective, especially when used in a remedy formulated especially for pets.
Don't delay any longer. Now that you know how diet, exercise, and natural remedies for dogs can help to prevent canine diabetes, you'll want to learn more right away, so you can keep your pet healthy and preserve his vision.
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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