Question
My diabetic dog is going blind
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
Cataracts are common in diabetic dogs, especially when the diabetes is hard to control. Most dogs cope well if their sight goes slowly, and surgery is sometimes an option if he's struggling. Tell your vet what he can't do any more. If his sight changes fast or an eye looks painful, call your vet straight away.
What you might notice at home
He bumps into a doorframe. His eyes look cloudy. He hesitates at the kerb. If it changes fast, call your vet soon rather than waiting a month to see how it goes.
Cataracts and blindness come up a lot with other owners. Most of what helps is practical: keeping the house safe and talking to him as he moves around. Some owners go for surgery.
What to write down for the vet
- When you first noticed the cloudiness or the bumps.
- What he can still do: stairs, garden, food bowl.
- Whether the change was sudden.
- Any squint, redness, or pain. Pain is a same-day call.
What to take with you
Take your notes, and ask whether seeing an eye specialist would help. Eye supplements won't fix cataracts, so check with your vet before buying any.
Is cataract surgery worth it for a diabetic dog?
Surgery is a decision for a veterinary eye specialist, and diabetes or age alone don't settle it. Ask whether your dog is a good candidate, what recovery and follow-up involve, and what the benefits and risks are for your dog's eyes.
Be honest with the specialist about whether you can manage the aftercare, and mention any other illness and how comfortable your dog is. If you decide against surgery, ask how to keep the eyes comfortable and help a blind dog get around. Many dogs adjust well to losing their sight. If you see redness, squinting or signs of pain, get the eyes checked quickly.
Sources
- How do I keep a blind diabetic dog safe at home?Keeping a blind dog safe at home
- Red, painful, dry or cloudy eyes: what else can happen to the eyes?Painful or cloudy eyes
- Do eye drops or supplements prevent cataracts?Whether drops or supplements help
- How do I find a vet or specialist who knows diabetes?Seeing an eye specialist
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
How do I keep a blind diabetic dog safe at home?
Keep the furniture where it is, talk to him before you touch him, and block the stairs if he misses them.
Q&A
Should I add a supplement for my diabetic dog?
There's not much proof they help. Ask before adding anything, and watch for xylitol.
Q&A
Can I judge control by thirst and energy?
If you can't test, his thirst, peeing, hunger and weight still tell you a lot. If any of them get worse, call your vet.
Q&A
When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?
If he's weak, trembling, collapsing, vomiting or won't eat, call your vet now. Read the rest later.