Introduction: A cataract develops when the transparent proteins in the lens of the eye become opaque. Cataracts develop gradually over time, and tend to be more common in older dogs. The changes that occur are irreversible, but in humans are treated by simple day-case surgery whereby the lens is removed from the outer capsule and replaced by a clear plastic artificial lens. These operations are increasingly being performed in our companion animals too.
Causes of cataracts: Old age is a definite risk factor. Developmental cataracts can also occur, and diabetes, steroid treatment, infection, and toxicity are also causes. Other causes of cataracts are discussed in more depth on my website.
Why a cataract affects vision: When we see, the rays of light from the object that we are looking at pass through the lens to reach the retina. If the lens is cloudy, the image becomes distorted and cannot focus as well. Initially humans with cataracts see an image as increasingly fuzzy and vague, often with halos of light around objects. This can increase over time to blindness. We can assume that a similar gradual blindness develops in dogs affected by cataracts.
The cloudiness in the lens occurs because the balance of water content in the lens is no longer maintained. This leads to increased water content, increased levels of insoluble proteins, and opacity.
Some dogs develop hardening (sclerosis) of the lens as they get older (>10), but this is not a cataract. As it does not affect vision, treatment is not necessary.
Treatments: Treatments include surgery, anti-inflammatory eye drops, antioxidant supplements, and complementary therapies. These treatments are discussed in more detail in the article on my website.
Complementary Therapies: Holistic vets would recommend a review of diet and lifestyle, to ensure that your dog is getting the best nutrients and exercise levels. Natural antioxidants are felt to help sight, and may reduce cataract formation.
Naturopaths believe that free radicals induce the damage that causes cataracts, and may recommend dietary Vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and selenium to help reduce their progression.
If a dog appears distressed by its loss of vision, then some of the healing therapies such as Reiki and Spiritual healing may help. Massage can comfort the dog, and crystal healing, with blue lace agate and amethyst for example, may help.
Vets advise that the only treatment is surgical. However, there appear to be many eye drops available to help with cataracts.
Summary: In summary, nuclear sclerosis is common in ageing dogs and does not need treatment. Therefore, do not assume that a dog with clouding eyes has cataracts. Get your dog checked by your vet if you are concerned, and this article discusses several additional approaches that may help treat or prevent cataracts.
Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Pet.com
Help With My Dog
First, however, it is essential that you are properly
informed of what arthritis is all about. You must know how
your dog became infected with the disease and how he or she
can recover quickly.
The immediate response of many dog owners that have
discovered that their dog is infected with arthritis is to
go the nearest veterinary. Though this is good, you need to
be aware that there is a better alternative to the problem
of arthritis in your dog. The solution is natural treatment
for dogs with arthritis.
Not many people are informed about natural treatments for
dogs with arthritis. It is not as complicated as many
thought. And also, there is nothing diabolical in it. It is
just an alternative solution to the medical aid we get from
our doctors.
What is arthritis and how does it affect your dog?
The inflammation or swelling in a joint is referred to as
arthritis. The causes include the following:
- Abnormal bone or joint development
- Instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons
- Damage to joints
- Infection
- Injury caused by immune system
Though there are anti-inflammatory medicines in the market
for the treatment of arthritis, there is a better approach
to its treatment. The approach is a natural treatment for
dogs.
The following are tips that will greatly assist your
ailing dog with arthritis.
- It is essential that you have your dog placed on slip-
free flooring. A slippery floor will not be of help in the
treatment of arthritis in your dog. This is because your
dog needs to have a firm grip on the floor while
recuperating. It is therefore recommended that you have a
rug or carpet in place.
- Swimming has been discovered to be of great help in the
treatment of arthritis in dogs. Swimming is a no-weight
bearing activity that will help your dog recover quickly
from arthritis. It is advisable that the swimming is
monitored so that the dog doesn't drown in the pool.
Swimming will help exercise all the parts of the body of
your dog.
- It is recommended that you give your dog a soft bed in
the quest for recovery. Your dog needs all the rest he or
she could get on a soft bed that can cushion its ailing
body. Just like a slippery floor is detrimental to your
dog's recovery, a hard bed is not ideal for him either.
- A peaceful and quiet environment is what your dog with
arthritis needs to recover from the disease. Let your
children be informed of this as your lovely dog may not be
tolerant of their noise and playfulness while recuperating.
- A good massage could also be what your ailing dog needs
to get off arthritis. A gentle massage from you might
provide the much needed assurance of your love for the dog.
But if you cannot do it for some reason or other, it is
advisable that you employ a professional animal massage
therapist to do the job for you. The massage will increase
flexibility, blood circulation, and calmness which go a
great length in giving your dog the good health he or she
deserves.
Above all, you must be aware that recovery of dogs with
arthritis takes a while. Hence, it is worthwhile giving
them that extra attention that they need.
Give enough time to your dog as he or she recovers from
arthritis. A natural treatment for dogs with arthritis is
highly recommended when you can't afford the huge fees
Both Alison Grimston & Bruce Dinger are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alison Grimston has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Pregnancy Problems and Pets. Dr Alison Grimston, a holistic doctor and animal healer, has a natural animal therapy website. If you are a pet owner or therapist, sign up for her free report on keeping your pet healthy naturally, by logging in at. Alison Grimston's top article generates over 1900 views. Bookmark Alison Grimston to your Favourites.
Bruce Dinger has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Swimming Pool and Backpain. Bruce Dinger is a budding entrepreneur and is the author of many articles on a variety of topics.For more information please visithttp://w. Bruce Dinger's top article generates over 6600 views. Bookmark Bruce Dinger to your Favourites.
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