Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Major and trace elements in lenses of dogs with cataracts
By Jezler, Patrícia Christiane O C et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2023·Department of Surgery, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of the ratio of different major and trace elements in the lens of dogs with cataract.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at the levels of certain minerals in the lenses of dogs with cataracts to better understand how these elements might contribute to the condition. Researchers found that dogs with cataracts had higher levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in their lenses compared to healthy dogs. This information could help develop new treatments or preventive measures for cataracts in dogs. The findings also suggested that male dogs might have different iron levels compared to females when it comes to cataract development.
People also search for: dog cataract treatment · minerals in dog eyes · why does my dog have cataracts · dog eye health · cataract prevention in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding the elements that support cataract development and searching for available therapeutic methods is essential for scientific and social interest. For that purpose, the role of trace elements has been investigated in this study to better understand the development of cataracts in dogs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ratio of the major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in dog cataract lenses to contribute to diagnostic, non-surgical, and ophthalmological preventive data. METHODS: A single lens with a cataract from each of a total of 88 dogs (cataract group) and a healthy lens from each of 6 dogs (control group) were evaluated. The elements calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and potassium (K) were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-ray microfluorescence. RESULTS: The results indicated an increase of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn, in association with the reabsorption mechanism of hypermature cataracts. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of elements Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn was different in cataract lenses than in healthy lenses, and our results may support the development of therapeutic strategies for cataracts in dogs. The Ca concentrations were distinct in the cataract development stages, and the Fe concentration was relatively higher in males when compared to females. Finally, this research stands out with a particular contribution to the understanding of both cataract formation and prevention.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36691384/