Dear Doctor,

I have a 8 year old Chihuahua which is three & one half pounds. We took her to a local Vet and said she has one mature and one inmature Cateract. Pressure in mature Eye was 8,9,10. In the other eye it was 19.22. She is very agile and loving and I would like to get her sight back to normal in both eyes. Is this possible? If so, what would be the approximate cost? It would hurts us to see her go blind in the other eye also. We love her very much. Please reply ASAP. Thanks!

Chet

Hi, Chet,
Sorry to hear about your Chihuahua's eye problems.
I cannot say whether or not cataract surgery would help - it would depend on the type of cataract. If the rest of the eye - ie the retina is OK, removal of the affected lens would produce a return of vision, but if the cataracts are a result of a retinal abnormality, it would not.
I am assuming that you do not live in the UK, so I cannot help you in advising you of a eye specialist to ask to be referred to, but your own veterinarian should be able to refer you.
The cost in the UK of cataract surgery could be as much as $6-700 per eye, without a guarantee of success.
Walter

Walter,

Thank you for your reply. We have an appointment with a Vet Eye Specialist this coming Thurday in New Orleans (about a two hour drive from my home). He will do all the test at that time and set up for surgery if everything is favorable. I will let you know how things turn out.

I also want to thank you for the service that you provide to all of us that has concerns about our pets. I know you must be a sincere and compassionate person. Thanks again.

Chet