Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil.
Nuclear sclerosis generally occurs in middle aged or older dogs—typically those over the age of seven. It doesn't seem to be more common in any particular breeds. However, increased exposure to UV radiation (typically as sunlight) may make nuclear sclerosis occur more rapidly.
This condition is seen in middle-aged and geriatric dogs. Nuclear sclerosis begins around 6-8 years old and slowly become more obvious with age. What are Common Signs of Nuclear Sclerosis? Owners typically notice a cloudiness or blue-grey appearance to their older dog's eyes.
The difference between cataracts and nuclear sclerosis lies in the fact that cataracts will reduce vision and nuclear sclerosis affects only depth perception. No treatment is necessary for nuclear sclerosis in pets. Another aging phenomena that occurs is called iris atrophy.
Treatment of Lenticular Sclerosis in Dogs
There is no treatment for the condition. Fortunately, there is no pain involved and the gradual changes in vision as your pet has aged as most likely allowed them to adapt.
"Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis." Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis. This condition is not the same as cataracts.
Lenticular sclerosis does not cause blindness though in advanced cases depth perception and near vision may be less accurate. Animals usually retain enough vision to function well within a familiar environment.
Dogs with lenticular sclerosis will typically have blue-hued, cloudy-looking eyes that may resemble cataracts. However, a veterinarian can distinguish between lenticular sclerosis and cataracts by closely examining the eyes.
In addition to vision loss, chronic cataracts can cause excruciatingly painful, unmanageable secondary issues within the eye, for which the only recourse is enucleation, or surgical removal of the eye. This happens because the lens continuously degenerates over time, sparking chronic inflammatory changes around it.
Dogs with cataracts can still lead very good lives, even if they have lost their sight. A few adaptations may be needed to keep them safe, such as using a lead when they're in the garden, and not moving the furniture around, but dogs can adapt well to sightlessness.
The good news is that lenticular sclerosis is not painful, does not significantly affect a dog's vision, and requires no treatment.
Lenticular sclerosis in dogs is a normal part of the aging process in which the lens of the eye (the structure that focuses light onto the retina) hardens and thickens. This causes a bluish, cloudy appearance to the lens.
Do cloudy eyes always mean blindness? A hazy, milky white layer over the eye is an early indication that a dog is going blind. However, cloudy eyes don't always mean that a pet is losing its eyesight or going blind. However, a dog with cataracts will likely become blind if and when the lens is entirely obscured.
Multiple sclerosis is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the brain and nerves. It's not clear why this happens but it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Contents. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It's considered an immune mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS , this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).
High blood sugar levels change the balance of water in the lens and cataracts form. Often, diabetic cataracts appear very rapidly, with a dog losing her sight within a day or two of having any trouble at all. Delaying or preventing diabetic cataracts has been a topic of great veterinary research.
Cataract surgery for dogs can cost anywhere from $2,700 to $4,000. Several factors can influence your total price, including your location, pre-surgery procedures, each eye's condition, and post-surgery evaluations and medications.
Cataracts left untreated will often become more prominent, involving more of the lens over time. As it progresses, your dog's vision will gradually become more affected. When no light can pass through the lens to the back of the eye, your dog will become blind, either in one eye or both.
Differentiating cataracts from nuclear sclerosis can be most easily achieved during the eye examination by either distant direct ophthalmoscopy or distant illumination. Perform visual inspection of the eye with a light source to determine overall ocular health and clarity.
What does it mean when a dog's eye is cloudy? Cloudy eyes can be a symptom of different eye conditions, including glaucoma, nuclear sclerosis, dry eye, or corneal dystrophy. If you notice your dog's eye becoming opaque, it's best to seek medical attention as soon as possible to find out the cause.
In most cases, you cannot prevent cataracts, but there are ways to ensure that your dog's vision is preserved, especially if a medical condition like diabetes causes it. These include: Examine your dog's eyes regularly. Take your dog to the vet if their eyes look cloudy or bluish-gray.
Although nuclear sclerosis may describe a type of early cataract in human medicine, in veterinary medicine the term is also known as lenticular sclerosis and describes a bluish-grey haziness at the nucleus that usually does not affect vision, except for unusually dense cases.
The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dog's eyes that require immediate veterinary attention.