Somebody once said that people can be divided into two categories: those who love dogs and those who don’t. Granted, that’s up for debate, but the fact is that most people who have a dog in their lives as a long-term ‘family member’ think of the dog as just that – part of the family – and that includes looking after their health.
Veterinary care is expensive, but in most cases there are options for treatment that make it more affordable, such as herbal remedies as opposed to surgery. One of the ailments that frequently afflicts older dogs is the formation of cataracts in their eyes that impair vision and lead to blindness when untreated. As with humans, cataract surgery is quite common, but it is costly and careful post-surgery care is required.
Dogs with diabetes are the most likely candidates for cataracts; in fact if your dog is diabetic, cataracts are almost certain to develop. They also result from aging, and sometimes they are an inherited trait, especially in certain breeds. Cataracts are a clouding of the normally transparent lens in the eye due to excess glucose in the bloodstream in the case of diabetes, but there are other causes also, and any age or breed of canine can be affected.
One remedy that has been used for centuries by humans for a variety of health benefits is now available for canines and other animals. A relative of the blueberry family known as the bilberry is still being tested but already in use by some veterinarians and by herbal medicine practitioners for the prevention and treatment of cataracts in dogs. You can find it at health food stores and online sites as a food supplement.
Bilberries contain a high level of anthocyanosides, a powerful antioxidant that is proven to help with human vision problems. Combined with other natural remedies including astragalus, fenugreek and goat’s rue, it can also lower glucose levels, thereby combating the symptoms of diabetes and other ailments. Though it has not been extensively tested on canines, it is thought to be a viable alternative to surgery in many cases.
Due to the lack of comprehensive research to date, herbal medicines like bilberries, lutein (found in dark leafy vegetables) and grape seed extract, all of which have proven medical benefits for humans, are not usually recommended, but they are very unlikely to do any harm. If you suspect that your canine friend is developing cataracts, first check with your vet and get a professional diagnosis. Then you can discuss possible options and the best course of treatment.
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