Cataract Surgery Dilemma Greenville SC

Q. I have a 10-year-old male Bichon Frise, Willie. He has lost his vision in his right eye due to cataracts and is beginning to lose vision in his left eye. Other than his sight, he is in good health. I have seen an ophthalmologist regarding his vision, and she recommended cataract surgery. According to what I have been reading, there is a 90 to 95 percent success rate in canine cataract surgery.

Since Willie is a Bichon Frise, he has a higher risk factor of retinal detachment. The success rate for his breed is around 70 percent. I have been struggling to decide if I am making the right decision by opting for surgery. 

My biggest concern is that the surgery will cause him to become blind prematurely. Of course, if he doesn't have the surgery he will eventually be totally blind, however, he would have a chance to adjust to it more gradually. 

The other factor that I am concerned about is glaucoma. He can also get glaucoma as a result of the surgery.

My question to you is, with all of the risk factors involved, do you feel as though cataract surgery is right thing to do? I want my dog to live the rest of his life as a happy, healthy pet.

A. You do have a challenging decision to make. On one hand, if you do not have the surgery done, Willie will eventually go blind. However, with a 70-percent success rate, there is a possibility of complications, that could cause worse problems.

Author: Jon Geller, DVM

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