Cataract surgery in dogs is considered a very successful procedure with a high rate of positive outcome. Once the cataract is successfully removed, 95% of patients regain vision immediately once they recover from the procedure.
Dog Cataract Surgery Success Rate and Complications Veterinary ophthalmologists have improved the procedure for cataract surgery for dogs over the last 40 years. The long-term success rate for dogs to have vision after surgery is 80-90 percent. Most dogs have functional vision within a couple of weeks after surgery.
How much is cataract surgery for dogs? In general, pet owners can expect to pay between $2,700 and $4,000 for cataract surgery with the average cost being $3,500.
Age alone is not a deterrent to cataract surgery. With the use of modern anaesthetic agents cataract surgery has been successfully performed on dogs and cats as old as 19. One concern with older dogs is that their retinas may also have age related degeneration.
Entropion surgery is typically done by an ophthalmologist, ophthalmologist surgical specialist, or oculoplastic surgeon. Costs for the procedure can range from around $500 to $2,000.
Pets will need to see the veterinary ophthalmologist at regular intervals after surgery to monitor progress. Complications from cataract surgery are uncommon, but can be grave. It is possible for a small portion of the cataract to come back, likely formed from scar tissue.
Cataracts may occur due to a variety of causes such as genetic, diabetes, PRA and age. The ideal treatment for cataracts is surgical removal via phacofragmentation. This however may not be an option due to various reasons such as medical, financial or old age.
Cataracts are an opacity in the lens of the eye, and when mature can lead to loss of vision. Cataracts are not typically brought to the attention of a veterinarian until owners report their dogs bumping into furniture or developing a cloudy appearance to their eyes.
As we mentioned, the average cost of dog cataract surgery is anywhere from $2,700 to $4,000. This cost includes the original exam, testing and diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, treatment, and hospitalization.
The most common cause of cataracts in the dog is inherited disease. Other causes include injuries to the eye or diseases such as diabetes mellitus ("sugar diabetes"). Some cataracts appear to occur spontaneously and are age related.
LIU is managed mostly by topical corticosteroids (Prednefrin Forte® and Maxidex® eye drops) or topical NSAIDs (Voltaren® eye drops). Initially the drops are used BID to TID as required to get the perilimbal hyperaemia to resolve, then SID long term. Some dogs will be able to be reduced to every other day therapy.