Nuclear Sclerosis in Dogs
Loss of transparency in the pupils, known as nuclear or lenticular sclerosis, occurs in all dogs to some degree as they age. The condition usually begins between 6 to 8 years of age and does not cause serious problems with vision.
-
Cause
-
Nuclear sclerosis occurs when the linear fibers in the lens become compressed as new fibers continually form and push them toward the center. Compression causes the center, or nucleus, of the lens to grow thicker, leading to a cloudy appearance.
-
Symptoms
-
Symptoms include a change in pupil color from black to gray or bluish white and mild visual impairment later in life. Color change usually affects both pupils simultaneously.
Diagnosis
-
Veterinarians can diagnose nuclear sclerosis during routine eye exams. Pupil dilation can help determine whether a dog has this condition or cataracts.
Home Care
-
Nuclear sclerosis does not require medical treatment. Safety measures, such as blocking off stairs and supervising dogs that are outdoors, should be taken if visual impairment occurs.
Misconception
-
Nuclear sclerosis can be mistaken for cataracts due to the pupil's cloudiness. Proper diagnosis is crucial since cataracts can cause significant vision loss and might require surgical removal of the lens.
References
- Photo Credit "In My Eyes - Galego (In Memoriam - Eternal Love)" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: tipiro (Jose Roberto V. Moraes) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
