What is the incidence rate of cataracts in diabetic dogs within one year of diagnosis?

The incidence rate of cataracts in diabetic dogs within one year of diagnosis is cited as 75%. This high rate can be attributed to several factors related to the effects of diabetes on the lens of the eye.

In diabetic dogs, high blood glucose levels can lead to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the lens, resulting from the action of the enzyme aldose reductase. This process leads to osmotic and biochemical changes within the lens, increasing its lens opacity and making cataract formation more likely. The rapid development of cataracts in diabetic dogs can manifest quite early after the onset of diabetes, which is why a significant percentage may develop cataracts within the first year following their diabetes diagnosis.

Other factors, such as the individual dog's predisposition to cataract formation, the age at diagnosis, and overall management of the diabetes, may also play a role, but the strong correlation between diabetes and cataract development is well-established in veterinary medicine. Therefore, the 75% incidence rate is consistent with clinical observations and studies conducted in veterinary ophthalmology.