You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Most dogs with diabetes mellitus develop cataracts within 5-6 months  and 80% of dogs developed cataracts within 16 months

The association between diabetes mellitus and cataract formation is well known. In a report * investigating the occurrence of cataract in 200 dogs presented to the North Carolina State University Teaching Hospital 132/177 dogs which did not already have cataracts at the time of diagnosis of diabetes, went on to develop cataracts. Over half the dogs had developed cataracts by 170 days after diagnosis, and 80% by 470 days. The authors concluded that most dogs with diabetes mellitus will develop cataracts.

Owners should be advised about this common potential complication at the time of diagnosis.

* Beam S et al Veterinary Ophthalmology (1999) 2; 169-172.l

Updated January 2016