Healing Dogs: Cataract Surgery Post-Operation Care

Cataract surgery can be of immense benefit to most dogs who have lost their sight due to cataracts. Most owners who elect to have cataract surgery performed on their dogs are very satisfied with the results. However, it's vitally important that you provide good post-operative care for your dog following his cataract surgery. Can My Dog Benefit From Cataract Surgery? Most dogs can benefit from cataract surgery; cataract surgery for dogs carries about a 90% success rate. If your vet decides that your dog isn't eligible for cataract surgery, here are some things you can do to make your blind dog's life easier: * Do not change the layout of your home or garden. * Walk your dog only along familiar routes. * Use spoken commands; speak to your blind dog more often. * Give your blind dog toys that make sounds. * A harness rather than a collar may help your blind dog feel more secure. Helping Your Dog Recover from Cataract Surgery Your dog may take several weeks or longer to recover from cataract surgery. During this time, be especially diligent about the following items: * Keep your dog's protective collar on at all times, until your vet says you can remove it. * Minimize your dog's activity during the four weeks following surgery. There should be no running, jumping, or playing during this period. You can still walk your dog, but try to keep him away from other dogs who might inadvertently harm him by engaging him in play. * Use a harness instead of a collar to walk your post-operative dog. * A small amount of discharge from the eyes is to be expected during the first week following dog cataract surgery. Clean your dog's eyes gently with cotton and warm water. * At all times during your dog's recovery from cataract surgery, follow your vet's instructions when administering medications and otherwise caring for your dog. * Be sure to follow the schedule of re-check examinations. These examinations are necessary to determine the progress of your dog's recovery and to catch complications as they arise. Recovery Warning Signs Consult your vet immediately if you see any of these symptoms in your dog following cataract surgery: * A blue-white haze on the front of the eye (or the part known as the cornea). * Excessive blinking and tearing, as they may be signs of pain in your dog's eye. * Excessive attempts to rub one or both eyes. * A sudden renewed loss of eyesight.

 

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