Preventing Pitbull Cataracts
Pitbull cataracts can appear suddenly and have a devastating impact on your APBT's eyesight. Although usually a healthy breed, these pups are prone to developing this particular condition, and it can be quite difficult to treat. Understanding how they develop, how they can be prevented, and how they are treated is central to helping your APBT stay as healthy as possible.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts form when, for whatever reason, the lens in one or both of your APBT's eyes becomes clouded or opaque rather than clear. You can think of your pup's eyes like cameras: he or she needs the lens to be fully transparent in order to see properly. If your camera has a scratch or blemish on it, you'll end up with a distorted picture. The same is true of your pup, although fixing it for him isn't as simple as just cleaning a camera. Typically, once this kind of problem starts, it continues to grow and remains an issue until taken care of through veterinary intervention, supplementation, or other means.
How Do They Develop?
They can start from a variety of sources. Often they arise because of a pup's own natural genetics. They can show up at any point, regardless of the animal's age. There are many other assorted causes, including injuries, malnutrition, old age, toxic exposure, and Pitbull eye infections/illness. In addition, a certain form of rapid-onset clouding is associated with diabetes. These are the types of Pitbull cataracts which have been known to form virtually overnight, and with almost no warning.
How Can They Be Treated?
The most common treatment is a fairly expensive and delicate procedure which involves removal of the lens and replacement with a synthetic alternative. Although this is a common surgery, it is complex and not recommended in every case. Older dogs in particular may not be able to stand the trauma of a surgical intervention; allowing their eyesight to gradually fade may be the superior option. However, APBTs generally stay stronger and more resilient than other breeds, which can make it a better option for them.
The other way to fight these changes is by using nutritional supplements. This is obviously a way to help nutritionally-based Pitbull cataracts, but the impact can extend beyond that. A lot of issues with your APBT's eyes generally are caused by poor immune system health, which is in turn caused at least in part by malnourishment. Correcting this with supplements helps improve overall health and well-being, including of the eyes. This kind of treatment has the added benefit of reducing Pitbull eye infections and virtually all other ailments to which the breed is prone.
How Can They Be Prevented?
Once they start to form, they can be difficult to reverse. For this reason, many vets recommend stopping the formation in the first place, which can often be accomplished with proper nutrition. Supplementation has a variety of other benefits for pet health and especially for APBTs: it can help control other problems of the breed such as mange and allergies.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts form when, for whatever reason, the lens in one or both of your APBT's eyes becomes clouded or opaque rather than clear. You can think of your pup's eyes like cameras: he or she needs the lens to be fully transparent in order to see properly. If your camera has a scratch or blemish on it, you'll end up with a distorted picture. The same is true of your pup, although fixing it for him isn't as simple as just cleaning a camera. Typically, once this kind of problem starts, it continues to grow and remains an issue until taken care of through veterinary intervention, supplementation, or other means.
How Do They Develop?
They can start from a variety of sources. Often they arise because of a pup's own natural genetics. They can show up at any point, regardless of the animal's age. There are many other assorted causes, including injuries, malnutrition, old age, toxic exposure, and Pitbull eye infections/illness. In addition, a certain form of rapid-onset clouding is associated with diabetes. These are the types of Pitbull cataracts which have been known to form virtually overnight, and with almost no warning.
How Can They Be Treated?
The most common treatment is a fairly expensive and delicate procedure which involves removal of the lens and replacement with a synthetic alternative. Although this is a common surgery, it is complex and not recommended in every case. Older dogs in particular may not be able to stand the trauma of a surgical intervention; allowing their eyesight to gradually fade may be the superior option. However, APBTs generally stay stronger and more resilient than other breeds, which can make it a better option for them.
The other way to fight these changes is by using nutritional supplements. This is obviously a way to help nutritionally-based Pitbull cataracts, but the impact can extend beyond that. A lot of issues with your APBT's eyes generally are caused by poor immune system health, which is in turn caused at least in part by malnourishment. Correcting this with supplements helps improve overall health and well-being, including of the eyes. This kind of treatment has the added benefit of reducing Pitbull eye infections and virtually all other ailments to which the breed is prone.
How Can They Be Prevented?
Once they start to form, they can be difficult to reverse. For this reason, many vets recommend stopping the formation in the first place, which can often be accomplished with proper nutrition. Supplementation has a variety of other benefits for pet health and especially for APBTs: it can help control other problems of the breed such as mange and allergies.
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