Which type of cataracts are most common in older animals without other apparent causes?

Which type of cataracts are most common in older animals without other apparent causes?

• A. Senile cataracts
• B. Toxic cataracts
• C. Nutritional cataracts
• D. Congenital cataracts

Answer: (A)

Senile cataracts are the most common type encountered in older animals and typically arise as a result of aging. As animals get older, the lens of the eye undergoes changes; proteins within the lens can become less soluble and can clump together, leading to opacity. This process is a natural part of aging and can occur in various species, including dogs and cats. In contrast, toxic cataracts are often associated with exposure to specific substances or drugs that can lead to lens damage, while nutritional cataracts result from deficiencies in essential nutrients. Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop early in life and are not acquired through the natural aging process. These distinctions highlight why senile cataracts are the most prevalent in older animals without other identifiable causes.

Senile cataracts are the most common type encountered in older animals and typically arise as a result of aging. As animals get older, the lens of the eye undergoes changes; proteins within the lens can become less soluble and can clump together, leading to opacity. This process is a natural part of aging and can occur in various species, including dogs and cats.

In contrast, toxic cataracts are often associated with exposure to specific substances or drugs that can lead to lens damage, while nutritional cataracts result from deficiencies in essential nutrients. Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop early in life and are not acquired through the natural aging process. These distinctions highlight why senile cataracts are the most prevalent in older animals without other identifiable causes.