Expert: Kaza - 10/6/2010

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering how your dog was doing with the cataracts? I just found out that my Bichon has cataracts and he is only going to be 4 this month.  His right eye is a little worse than his left but he is still seeing well. He also has uveitis (inflammation)in his right due to the cataract.

ANSWER: Hi Marcy well he still has them but they havent grown too much to need surgery yet, this is how I combatted them both.

Give lutein (HIGH) every day 20mg for 6 months
Give eye bright 6-12 mg per day for same period

Also increase spinach into the diet , I used many years ago with Louis 2lb fresh every two days drained mixed with meat to make it more pallatable , but lutein was relatively hard to buy then it is in all health stores now.

Try to give more protein in the diet so use more fresh meat not smoked meats like ham etc, I use lamb, chicken, turkey and lots of fish like salmon cooked, mackeral etc.

You may find that your dog will also lean towards stones and poor teeth and patella issues as did mine so try to prevent the onset by using a more natural diet rather than a dry one.

I am here if you need me also contact me via my site
www.eurobichons.com

Sad but true this is a breeding issue , you will get rejection from the breeder as I did but hey at least you told them so hopefully they can stop the breeding programme which is how I looked at it

Good luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your quick response. I was wondering if you dehydrated the spinach first or used fresh frozen spinach? Thanks again!

Answer
Hi Marcy
I used fresh but I suppose tinned and frozen could also be used and would be easier to prepare.
Remember though that if you use the lutein tabs then the spinach doesnt have to be given in large amounts ,is lutein tabs were hard to come when I did this with louis the tabs were hard to get.

the 20mg lutein should be started asap and keep me posted and I am here or on eurobichons if you need me for any help or support.