Feb 9th 2011 @ 10:27PM Filed under: Pet Insurance
If your dog suffers from cataracts and needs an operation, your pet insurance should be able to protect you financially against costs incurred. This condition is extremely common amongst diabetic dogs: studies have shown that approximately 80% of dogs with diabetes develop cataracts within 16 months of diagnosis.
Even if your dog isn’t diabetic at the moment, it is worth checking your pet insurance plan and doing a comparison between different policies. The cheapest pet insurance doesn’t always offer the most extensive cover, so if your pet develops health problems you could be left footing the bill.
Cataracts are a medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque. Cataracts can present themselves as white or clouded areas within your dog’s eyes. Your pet won’t be able to see through the affected area so if the cataract becomes sufficiently large, a dog can become completely blind in that eye.
Whilst cataracts themselves rarely cause discomfort, they can lead to other more painful ocular diseases such as Lens-Induced Uveitis (LIU) and glaucoma. Once these secondary diseases have become established, cataract surgery may no longer be possible. So as soon as you notice a cataract forming, consult your vet.
Cataracts can develop so quickly that you may even notice one developing within a couple of days. If this is the case, it is worth contacting your vet immediately. Cataract surgery tends to be same day surgery with no need for an overnight hospital stay. It can be reassuring to know that your pet will be recovering in a familiar environment.
Cataract surgery should be able to restore your dog’s vision, but if surgery is not possible don’t despair. As dogs are able to smell and hear far better than humans, losing their sight does not affect them as dramatically as you may fear. Dogs are often able to adjust to vision loss quite quickly, allowing their other senses to compensate. So long as there is no pain or discomfort in their eyes, dogs with cataracts can live long, happy lives.
However, if your pet’s ocular condition is causing them pain, your vet should be able to recommend an appropriate course of action. Whether this involves surgery, medication or even complimentary therapy, reputable pet insurance should be able to protect you financially from the costs.
Whatever course of action you take, good advice is essential. Consult your vet as soon as you suspect a problem to ensure your pet stays in good health.
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John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include home, car, life, travel, wedding, event and pet insurance (http://www.johnlewis-insurance.com/homepage/pet-insurance.html) products.
