CATARACTS CATARACTSPrincipal Natural Treatments
Antioxidants, bilberry, topical succus cineraria
Other Natural Treatments
None
Cataracts are a common eye disorder of older dogs and, very rarely, older cats. While they can occur secondarily to diabetes, or can occur in young pets as a congenital problem, they are most often an aging change in the lens of the eye. Cataracts are technically an opacification and calcification of the lens in the eye. They can be a mild problem (immature cataracts) that minimally affects vision, or they can be a severe problem (mature to hypermature cataracts) that cause blindness. A common eye disorder of older pets that does not interfere with vision but is often confused by owners with cataracts is a condition called nuclear sclerosis. In this condition, the lens of the eye becomes slightly cloudy, but unlike a cataract it does not interfere with vision.
As with any disorder, a natural diet goes a long way in maintaining the health of the pet. Supplementation with antioxidants and the herb bilberry may be helpful.
Topically applied succus cineraria has also helped in anecdotal reports among holistic veterinarians.
Certain vitamins and minerals function in the body to reduce oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical process that occurs within the body’s cells. After oxidation occurs, certain by-products such as peroxides and “free radicals” accumulate. These cellular by-products are toxic to the cells and surrounding tissue. The body removes these by-products by producing additional chemicals called antioxidants that combat these oxidizing chemicals.
In disease, excess oxidation can occur and the body’s normal antioxidant abilities are overwhelmed. This is where supplying antioxidants can help. By giving your pet’s body extra antioxidants, it may be possible to neutralize the harmful by-products of cellular oxidation. While not proven in pets, there is some evidence in pets that antioxidants (especially mixed carotenoids and vitamins C,, and E,) may prevent or slow the progression of cataracts.
Several antioxidants can be used to supplement pets. Most commonly, the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and the minerals selenium, manganese, and zinc are prescribed. Other antioxidants, including N-acetylcysteine, Coenzyme Q10, Ginkgo biloba, bilberry, grape seed extract, and pycnogenol may also be helpful for a number of disorders.
There is no “correct” antioxidant to use. Dosage varies with the specific antioxidant chosen.
Following is a brief discussion of a commonly used group of antioxidants called bioflavonoids/proanthocyanidins.
Proanthocyanidins are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds found in plants; most often products containing proanthocyanidins are made from grape seed or pine bark. Proanthocyanidins are also called pycnogenols or bioflavonoids, a class of water-soluble plant coloring agents. While they don’t seem to be essential to life, it’s likely that people and pets need them for optimal health. These compounds are used for their antioxidant effects against lipid (fat) peroxidation. Proanthocyanidins also inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (the same enzyme inhibited by aspirin and other nonsteroidal medications); cyclooxygenase converts arachidonic acid into chemicals (leukotrienes and prostaglandins), which contribute to inflammation and allergic reactions. Proanthocyanidins also decrease histamine release from cells by inhibiting several enzymes.
Some research suggests that pycnogenol seems to work by enhancing the effects of another antioxidant, vitamin C. Other research suggests that the bioflavonoids can work independently of other antioxidants; as is the case with many supplements, there probably is an additive effective when multiple antioxidants are combined. People taking pycnogenol often report feeling better and having more energy; this “side effect” may possibly occur in our pets as well.
Quercetin is a natural antioxidant bioflavonoid found in red wine, grapefruit, onions, apples, black tea, and, in lesser amounts, in leafy green vegetables and beans. Quercetin protects cells in the body from damage by free radicals and stabilizes collagen in blood vessels.
Quercetin supplements are available in pill and tablet form. One problem with them, however, is that they don’t seem to be well absorbed by the body. A special form called quercetin chalcone appears to be better absorbed.
Quercetin appears to be quite safe. Maximum safe dosages for young children, women who are pregnant or nursing, or those with serious liver or kidney disease have not been established; similar precautions are probably warranted in pets.
In people, a typical dosage of proanthocyanidins is 200 to 400 mg 3 times daily. Quercetin may be better absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. The suggested dosage of proanthocyanidin complex in pets is 10 to 200 mg given daily (divided into 2 to 3 doses.) The suggested dosage of bioflavonoid complex in pets is 200 to 1,500 mg per day (divided into 2 to 3 doses). The actual dosage of each product will vary with the product and the pet’s weight and disease condition.
While there is no specific research in pets showing benefit in preventing and treating cataracts, the use of antioxidants is widely recommended by holistic veterinarians to reduce oxidative damage to tissues that may occur in the lenses of the eyes.
Bilberry, related to blueberry, is most commonly taken internally by people to help with disorders of the eyes, including macular degeneration and cataract formation, due to its antioxidant effects. Its flavonoid compounds (anthocyanosides) are the most pharmacologically active. These flavonoids have several effects, including improved capillary strength (once again due to vitamin C), decreased platelet clumping, lowering of blood sugar (making it potentially useful for diabetic pets), and protective effects against gastric ulcers (due to increased mucus production). Bilberry’s anthocyanosides have a special attraction to the retina, which may explain this herb’s apparent usefulness in eye diseases.
Bilberry is used throughout Europe today for the treatment of poor night vision and day blindness in people. Regular use of bilberry is also thought to help prevent or treat other eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
In pets, bilberry can be tried in pets with cataracts (combining it with other antioxidants including vitamin E). Results have been variable.
Bilberry is a food and as such is quite safe. Do not use in pets on hypoglycemic therapy without veterinary supervision. In people, rare side effects such as mild digestive distress, skin rashes, and drowsiness can be seen. Safety in patients with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. There are no known drug interactions. Bilberry does not appear to interfere with blood clotting.
Cineraria is an herbal remedy recommended for dogs and cats with cataracts. The juice is diluted at least 50:50 with artificial tears. Anecdotal reports indicate that pets with cataracts appear to have improved vision, although the opacity of the lens may not decrease. If cineraria will work, it will usually occur with the first bottle.
The main natural treatments are designed to reduce cloudiness of the lens in the eyes.
For pets with mild, early cataracts, these therapies may be effective by themselves. For pets with more severe cataracts, conventional therapies may be indicated. The natural treatments are widely used with variable success but have not all been thoroughly investigated and proven at this time.
As with any condition, the most healthful natural diet will improve the pet’s overall health.
Mild cataracts that do not interfere with vision require no treatment. Cataracts that interfere with vision may need to be surgically removed; an artificial intraocular lens replacement may be recommended. Prior to surgery, pets are screened for other eye disorders (such as retinal degeneration) that may occur with cataracts and also cause blindness.