Some estimates show the prevalence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts at 50 in dogs over nine years of age and 100 in dogs over the age of thirteen. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. Cataracts cause diminished vision.
3 nuclear sclerosis in dogs is caused by a compression of the older lens fibers in the center of the lens due to new fiber formation around the edges. Your veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis with an ophthalmic exam. Many pet parents mistake nuclear sclerosis for developing cataracts in their dog s eyes.
Besides poor vision older dogs can also suffer from arthritis bladder and bowel issues dental problems hearing loss and cognitive impairment. But it will likely not be the only health issue you and your dog must cope with. Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a normal part of the aging process and will not greatly impair your dog s vision.
Nuclear sclerosis results in a cloudy appearance to the lens of the eye but is less harmful than cataracts because it does not greatly affect the vision of your pet. Nuclear sclerosis is a very common eye defect in older animals and is commonly mistaken for cataracts in companion animals. For vision affected by the cataract the usual correction is surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with.
If the sclerosis and clouding is severe enough it s called a nuclear cataract. Cataracts on the other hand can cause significant vision changes and other serious symptoms. Nuclear sclerosis does not usually affect vision or damage the eye significantly.
Nuclear sclerosis and cataracts are two very different conditions but to the untrained eye they can appear quite similar. Cataracts vs nuclear sclerosis in dogs.
