My Elderly Cat Has Lenticular Sclerosis

In her last checkup my 23 year old cat Lodema amazed the vet with her exceptional health. But she noticed something I had not - Lodema has a cataract. I was prepared to set up surgery, like my mother had gone through. But the doctor shrugged and said nothing could be done. I was very worried. But the vet seemed unconcerned after pointing the cataract out to us. So I did some research and found Lodema has Lenticular Sclerosis.

There are apparently 2 types of cateracts in cats - actual cataracts which can affect cats of all ages and cause blindness if not dealt with and Lenticular Sclerosis for older animals. According to www.ehow.com this is just a natural part of the aging process and doesn't seem to cause any harm. It's caused by hardening and thickening of the lens based on age. Dogs can develop these as early as age 6 and cats can develop them as early as age 9. Lodema didn't develop hers until aftershe was 20 years old. Her 19 year old daughter Carla isn't showing any signs of one yet. I found it interesting that it usually only happens to one eye, as it has with Lodema.

I felt much better after my research, but I still wanted reassurance. So I went to the source. I dangled a string for Lodema. She could still see a it dangling and jerking to be played with. Very delicately she swatted at it, as an old lady should. But her big eyes gleamed with delight just as they always have. I put a big paper box in the living room to sort some books into. She jumped into it with ease despite her arthritis to investigate its contents. These are familiar rituals in a familiar setting for her, but it showed me that my little old lady could see just fine. That's a relief.

Because of the seriousness of an actual cataract, you always want to have your pet looked at by a veterinarian if you notice any issues with his or her eyes. The veterinarian can do an eye exam that may extend to blood tests and even ultrasounds to determine the cause of the problem. Your pet may not have a cataract or Lenticular Sclerosis at all, but a virus that can be cleared up with medication. According to www.petplace.com there are even some types of cataracts that can be removed. Lenticular Sclerosis types are not among them. There may also be other treatments your cat needs for his or her eye problem. Don't just assume it's due to old age.

Lodema is going strong at age 23 and I'm grateful for that. I'm also grateful she's not lost her vision because of this condition. Now I know what we're dealing with. I hope this information helps you with your older cat.