Pet Insurance and Dogs With Cataracts

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     If your dog suffers from cataracts and needs an operation, your pet insurance should be able to protect you financially against costs incurred. This condition is extremely common amongst diabetic dogs: studies have shown that approximately 80% of dogs with diabetes develop cataracts within 16 months of diagnosis.

Even if your dog isn't diabetic at the moment, it is worth checking your pet insurance plan and doing a comparison between different policies. The cheapest pet insurance doesn't always offer the most extensive cover, so if your pet develops health problems you could be left footing the bill.

Cataracts are a medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque. Cataracts can present themselves as white or clouded areas within your dog's eyes. Your pet won't be able to see through the affected area so if the cataract becomes sufficiently large, a dog can become completely blind in that eye.

Whilst cataracts themselves rarely cause discomfort, they can lead to other more painful ocular diseases such as Lens-Induced Uveitis (LIU) and glaucoma. Once these secondary diseases have become established, cataract surgery may no longer be possible. So as soon as you notice a cataract forming, consult your vet.

Cataracts can develop so quickly that you may even notice one developing within a couple of days. If this is the case, it is worth contacting your vet immediately. Cataract surgery tends to be same day surgery with no need for an overnight hospital stay. It can be reassuring to know that your pet will be recovering in a familiar environment.

Cataract surgery should be able to restore your dog's vision, but if surgery is not possible don't despair. As dogs are able to smell and hear far better than humans, losing their sight does not affect them as dramatically as you may fear. Dogs are often able to adjust to vision loss quite quickly, allowing their other senses to compensate. So long as there is no pain or discomfort in their eyes, dogs with cataracts can live long, happy lives.

However, if your pet's ocular condition is causing them pain, your vet should be able to recommend an appropriate course of action. Whether this involves surgery, medication or even complimentary therapy, reputable pet insurance should be able to protect you financially from the costs.

Whatever course of action you take, good advice is essential. Consult your vet as soon as you suspect a problem to ensure your pet stays in good health.

About John Lewis Insurance:

Since Greenbee launched four years ago, we've provided insurance with the same high standards of service and value for money that you'd expect from John Lewis, so we've decided to change our name to John Lewis Insurance. As we evolve, we'll continue to offer our customers exceptional products and service.

We believe that everything we do should be straightforward, great value and come with an extra level of service that's always reassuring. Which is why our Home Insurance includes accidental damage as standard. And faithful friends will be pleased to know that our Pet Insurance includes older dogs.

We all know that it makes a lot of sense to buy the important things from someone you trust. In fact, you'll find that all the products and services offered from John Lewis Insurance are exactly what you would expect from the John Lewis Partnership.