Why should you avoid Cataract surgery for your pet?

Expense - A preoperative blood profile, comprehensive physical exam, and assessment of anesthetic level of risk is typically performed by the veterinarian to simply ascertain if the animal is suitable for surgery. Post surgery a vet will typically ask that you bring your pet back for reexaminations at 1 day, 5 to 7 days, 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3-4 months post surgery, and every 6-12 months thereafter. This reexamination schedule may change if there are post-operative complications.

Pre- and post-surgery preparation time - The eyes require 3 days of intense medication immediately preceding the surgery day. The pet will require oral medication and several kinds of eye drops 3 to 4 times a day for the first few weeks after surgery, and on a lesser frequency for several months post surgery. The pet must also wear a cone-shaped restraint collar (E collar) the first 2 weeks after surgery to prevent self-trauma to the eyes.

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure, but there are risks. Chances of your pet having improved vision after surgery are high (90%-95%). But 5% to 10% of dogs will not regain good vision due to complications, and may actually be permanently blind in one or both of the operated eyes.

Your pet has these risks if Cataract surgery is performed:

• Scar tissue - All dogs develop some intraocular scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue will limit vision.
• Glaucoma - Glaucoma (increase in eye pressure) occurs in 30% of all dogs who have cataract surgery. Glaucoma not only can cause complete vision loss, but also may require the need for additional medications or surgery. It can be painful and cause loss of the eye if uncontrolled.
• Retinal detachment - While re-attachment is sometimes possible, the success rate is low and this complication usually results in complete vision loss.
• Intraocular Infection - While it is rare, it can cause loss of the eye (i.e. surgical removal of the eye) as well as complete vision loss.
• Development of a complication. This could result in poor to no vision, or in the most severe case surgical removal of the eye (which is rare).
• General anesthesia - Even healthy pets can die under general anesthesia