Progression and complications of canine cataracts for different stages of development and aetiologies

To evaluate progression and complications of various cataract aetiologies and stages of development.

In all, 447 eyes of 250 dogs with cataracts were monitored between 2012 and 2015. Breed, gender, age, vision, types of cataract, stage of cataract development (incipient, immature, mature and hypermature), complications of cataracts, ocular ultrasonography and electroretinography findings were recorded. Re-examinations were performed after a minimum of 1, 6 and 12 months. A relative rate of progression within 1 month was determined and progression was categorised as stationary, slow, moderate or rapid.

Overall, 44∙7% cataracts progressed and 55∙3% remained stationary. Incipient, immature, mature and hypermature cataracts progressed in 34∙1, 72∙7, 66∙7 and 44∙6% of cases, respectively. Hereditary, congenital, diabetic, contusive trauma-related, perforating trauma-related, radiation-related, senile cataracts and cataracts secondary to concurrent ocular diseases progressed in 47∙1, 66∙7, 66∙7, 50, 44∙4, 0, 29∙9 and 48∙9% of cases, respectively. Rapid progression was identified in 13∙3% of diabetic and 4∙3% of hereditary cataracts. Complications were diagnosed in 43∙5% and occurred at any stage but more frequently the further the cataract had developed. Lens-induced uveitis was the most common complication. Diabetic, traumatic, secondary and hereditary cataracts were associated with more complications than senile cataracts.

Stage of development and cataract aetiology are associated with different rates of progression and complications.