Ultrasonographic abnormalities in the eyes of dogs with cataracts: 147 cases (1986-1992).

Records of 147 dogs with cataracts and that had an ultrasonographic examination of their eyes were reviewed. Ultrasonography was performed, using a real-time mechanical sector scanner (7.5 or 10.0 MHz transducer), after topical anesthesia of the cornea. Vitreous degeneration was diagnosed in 23% of the eyes examined. Retinal detachment was detected in 11% of all eyes, but was detected in 4% of eyes with immature cataracts, 6.5% of eyes with mature cataracts, and 19% of eyes with hypermature cataracts. In 66% of the eyes, the cataract was the only ultrasonographic abnormality found. Vitreous degeneration and retinal detachment were most often observed in eyes with a hypermature cataract, and were uncommon in eyes with an immature cataract. We concluded that ultrasonographic examination can detect abnormalities of the posterior segment when opacity of the anterior segment precludes complete ophthalmoscopic examination and that it is a quick and easy procedure for screening dogs for retinal detachment prior to cataract surgery.