My poodle, Mimi, is the light of my life. The poor thing is 15 and has developed cataracts. So far, it seems she still sees well, and I don't really want to do surgery. Are there any natural therapies that might help? I'll try anything that will prolong her vision. I can't bear the thought of her losing her sight and not being able to get around.
Take heart: Most small breeds of dogs can live 18 to 20 years. In my practice, which has a lot of geriatric pets, the average age of these older pets is 18. Going the holistic route by focusing on minimal use of conventional drugs, not vaccinating older pets and giving them regular dental cleanings pays off.
Regarding Mimi's cataracts, my first question is: Has she really been diagnosed with cataracts? Most of the older dogs and cats I see whose eyes are becoming cloudy do not have cataracts. Instead, after performing an ophthalmic examination, I usually diagnose a condition called nuclear (or lenticular) sclerosis. This is a normal aging change in which the lenses of the eyes become slightly cloudy. Unlike cataracts, this in no way interferes with vision and does not require surgery.
Let's suppose though, that you've had an ophthalmic examination and Mimi has cataracts. First, if they are mild (called immature cataracts), surgery is not usually indicated. If they are severe (mature to hypermature cataracts), chances are good that Mimi can't see. If surgery is recommended, a test will be done to make sure her retinas are functioning properly (retinal disease and cataracts are common in poodles like your Mimi).
If she has nuclear sclerosis or cataracts, herbs may help slow down the progression of the problems. A supplement (Healthy Vision) I use in older dogs and cats with eye problems contains several ingredients (antioxidants and bilberry included) that contribute to good eye health.
In people, these nutrients are commonly recommended by holistic doctors to treat macular degeneration and other eye disorders.
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