Diabetes and Cataracts

Question:

Dear Dr. Smith,

My dog has diabetes and cataracts. I'd like to give him Ocu-Clear and Canine Geriatric Basic Nutrients. I see that Billberry extract is in both products, will that be too much?

Response:

Bilberry is related to Blueberry and really overdose is not an issue, so the dog can get both Ocu-clear and the Canine Geriatric Basic Nutrients. Many of the ingredients overlap, but the lutein and quercetin are also really good for vision. It should also not be a problem with the insulin. Cataracts are not a vision problem per se it's a clouding of the lens due to the increase of glucose levels in the bloodstream due to the diabetes. The only real way of getting rid of cataracts is by surgery, the retina behind the lens is usually completely functional. If the dog is not regulated very well on the insulin, the cataracts will get worse. Best of luck.

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA