Can Cataracts be caused by steriod use

Has she been diagnosed with cataracts? There's another condition that looks just like what you've described, but isn't cataracts.

Side effects of steroids are typically excessive thirst/drinking; increased appetite (and urination/defecation), weight gain, etc.. I'm pretty sure that the way you're keeping up on the details you've offered, you already know the routine things.

Also, when did this ocular abnormality develop?

Are there any other symptoms such as loss of balance, head tilting, drooling, disorientation, lethargy - anything whatsoever out of the ordinary ?

How long has she been on the steroids ?

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Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.

You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

Thank you so much for responding so quickly! I truly appreciate it. We noticed the blue in Lu's eyes around Thanksgiving last year. On her next visit to the vet, round Dec 2005, the Vet confirmed that there was definitely the start of cataracts. Since then, she's been to the vet every 6-8 wks for the steriod shots and I always have them ck her eyes. They have not gotten worse. Lu's allergies really surfaced when she was about 2. Since then she's been on predinsone or Trimeprazine/Pred 2mg. When her allergies get really horrible, she gets a shot and can be fine for about 4 weeks. Then I supplimate with the Timeprazine every other day until she's gotten so bad (she breaks out in pustuals in her goin) and take her back for another shot. This has been going on for about 2 years. Lu's not had any other unusual symptoms. No excessive urination or drinking. She's goofy but nothing that's wierd. Meaning not drooling, head tilting (unless you ask her if she wants to go out). She's really ok, except for the fact she can't see a lot and she's really itchy. Any info would be helpful. I plan to take her to an ocular specialist in a few weeks. Thanks for caring and for your help.

Michele

The meds you've described are not known to commonly cause cataracts; however, the side effects can be unique to an individual in any case.

The reason I wondered about the diagnosis of cataracts in a dog this young (you did indicate under 5 years old right?) is because a couple other conditions are frequently mistaken for cataracts.

Most cataracts in dogs are inherited (do you know her history?) In a young dog, if it's cataracts and not genetic, other causations might be trauma, glaucoma, retinal degeneration, nutritional deficiency, Cushing's or diabetes and even as the result of toxins.

It's just perplexing to think that in a youngster like this, if there's no familial history of them, that it would be cataracts. I suppose she may be reacting to the steroids as a toxin, but I'm really reaching with that.

I'm happy to hear that you're seeing a specialist soon (I think the sooner the better since even if it's cataracts, it's often successfully treatable with removal, similar to what they do with humans).

Until then, since it sounds like her allergies are signficant, continuing those treatments is prudent. You're working well with her vet on this and can obviously trust him.

Do you recall the specific (if any) diagnoses with regard to her allergies?

This link might help with more info about allergies, but it does seem you've become an expert on that one Images available only to Customers.

http://www.dogo.org/Education/canineallergies.asp

__________________
Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.

You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

Thank you for your quick response. I truly appreciate your questions and info. We do not know Lu's history. And maybe it is genetic. In the mean time I will take her to the ocular specialist and if necessary get her surgery. We live at the beach and it's just too sad to see her not run after the ball as we stroll along the water. She also has a younger (not a sibling) sister who is now realizing she can take advantage of Lu b/c she can't see. It just breaks our hearts. I will also follow up on the allergies. Again, thanks, I really appreciate your advice.

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