Yes, German Shepherds are prone to cataracts.

As they age, the lens becomes less transparent and cloudy.

This condition is very similar to the one in human eyes.

As with many other conditions, it can lead to blindness.

Here’s all you should know about cataracts in German Shepherds (GSD).

What Is Cataract In Dogs?

Cataract in dogs is a loss of opacity or transparency of the eye’s lens.

Cataracts typically run in families.

Numerous dog breeds contain DNA abnormalities that raise the incidence of cataracts.

Generally, hereditary cataracts are known to occur in over 100 dog breeds.

Your dog has a higher risk of acquiring cataracts if she carries the gene mutation.

Hereditary Cataracts Are Known To Occur In Over 100 Dog Breeds

The prevalence is 16,8% of dogs aged 7 to 15 years. [1]

Diabetes is another common factor in cataract development.

Within a year of being diagnosed, almost all diabetic dogs get cataracts.

Cataracts develop when the water equilibrium in the lens is altered by high blood sugar.

Diabetic cataracts develop very quickly, causing a dog to lose sight just a day or two after the first issue.

What Causes Cataracts in German Shepherds?

Genetics and age cause cataracts in German Shepherds.

A study conducted by Cathryn Mellersh noted all of the retinal disorders in canines by breed. [2]

Progressive retinal atrophy is one of the most common leads of cataracts.

The late onset is specific for large breeds like the GSD.

Can Cataracts in GSD Be Treated or Prevented?

First Signs of Cataract in GSD

A cataract-affected eye will have a film covering the pupil.

This gives it a cloudy, grayish-blue texture, as opposed to a healthy eye, which has a clear pupil.

Discover the surprising link between German Shepherds and Eye Diseases Here.

The pupil’s surface may occasionally appear to be uneven and cracked.

Dogs’ eyes may have similar changes with aging.

They could be brought on by nuclear sclerosis, which causes a harmless pupil haziness. [3]

Canines with cataracts frequently display indicators of blindness. A few of these are:

  • Clumsiness
  • Bumping into objects
  • Having trouble locating the food bowls
  • Walking cautiously down the stairs
  • Walking with the nose to the ground [4]

Yes, cataracts in GSD can be treated or prevented.

Although cataracts cannot entirely be avoided, they can be treated.

However, the following simple steps will keep your dog healthy:

Maintain a healthy weight and way of life in line with the breed and age of your dog.

A product that can help postpone the development is Can-C Eye Drops.

Exercise your dog every day to keep them active and help them avoid eye disorders.

Include vitamins that contain antioxidants to improve eye health.

A good example is the Zesty Paws Supplements.

Cataracts Cannot Entirely Be Avoided, But It Can Be Treated

They include glucosamine, which promotes eye ad joint health.

Ocu-Glo Eye Supplements contain 12 different antioxidants.

Their key ingredient is the lutein and grape seed extracts.

Annual eye exams should be scheduled, especially as your dog ages.

Check your dog’s eyes right away if they sustain any kind of injury. [5]

Can Cataracts in German Shepherds Be Prevented?

Yes, cataracts in German Shepherds can be prevented.

In most cases, it is caused by a chronic illness like diabetes.

Genetic compounds cannot be changed, but the process can be postponed to later age.

Eye supplements and eye drops can help with the prevention of cataracts.

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