Does Lanomax Really Work for Dogs? The Science Explained

Cataracts are a common condition in dogs, especially as they get older. If your dog does develop cataracts, you can use eye drops like Lanomax to delay its onset. However, does Lanomax really work for dogs? 

Lanomax can work for dogs if the cataracts are still in the immature stage. It contains lanosterol, which has been found to be effective at breaking down the cataract lens. However, Lanomax does not work in every canine cataract case. 

This article examines everything you need to know about Lanomax and alternatives to it. It also explores details about canine cataracts, focusing on treating and preventing them. Keep reading to learn more about whether Lanomax can be a good option for your dog.

What Is Lanomax Used For?

Lanomax is used to treat cataracts in pets. It contains lanosterol molecules that can help uncloud cataracts. Lanomax was delivered as an eye drop and does not require surgeries, injections, ingested medication, or any type of invasive procedure.

What Is the Active Ingredient of Lanomax?

Lanosterol is the main ingredient of Lanomax, so it is helpful to consider research on the effectiveness of lanosterol when assessing the efficacy of Lanomax. Each bottle of Lanomax eyedrops includes 10mg of lanosterol.

Other active and inactive ingredients of Lanomax include:

• ThruDelivery™ System
• 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin 4g
• Purified water

Does Lanosterol Work?

Lanosterol works by breaking down cataracts in many different animals. Several research studies show that lanosterol is an essential ingredient in medications used to treat cataracts. 

UC San Diego researchers have found that the administration of lanosterol can help break down cataracts in both dogs and rabbits. Similarly, a study published in the Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science Journal concluded that lanosterol could be a therapeutic agent for individuals with cataracts. 

As lanosterol is a significant component of Lanomax, one can argue that Lanomax can effectively cure cataracts in dogs. 

What Vets and Dog Owners Say About Lanomax

Aside from science, another way to check Lanomax’s effectiveness is to consider feedback from veterinarians and dog owners. There are mixed reviews for Lanomax in veterinary practices and online pet forums. 

Dog Owner Opinions on Lanomax

There is not a clear consensus among dog owners on the effectiveness of Lanomax. Some dog owners claim that Lanomax can significantly help reduce and reverse cataract formation. However, others have found that Lanomax has not stopped the onset of cataracts. 

In addition, dog owners also note that they have found alternatives to Lanomax that have effectively reduced cataracts. The common ingredient in effective treatments for dog cataracts is lanosterol. This indicates that lanosterol is the ingredient in Lanomax that works for dogs. 

Veterinarian Opinions on Lanomax

Like dog owners, veterinarians have contrasting opinions on the effectiveness of Lanomax. Some vets have successfully prescribed Lanomax to dogs and seen an improvement in the dog’s vision. Others argue that no eye drops will reduce cataract build-ups. These vets typically find that surgery is the only option. 

Factors That Can Impact the Effectiveness of Lanomax

The contrasting opinions on Lanomax suggest that it works better in some conditions than others. Here’s what can impact how well Lanomax can work: 

• Maturity of cataracts: If the cataracts are mature, Lanomax may not be as impactful. 
• Age and general health of the dog: Both the age and health of the dog impact the way cataracts progress. Cataracts tend to progress faster when a dog is older, and Lanomax may become less effective. 
• Type of cataracts: There are several cataracts: age-related, traumatic, congenital, and secondary. Lanomax may work better on age-related and congenital cataracts, especially if they are being treated in their immature stage. 

Research into the effectiveness of Lanomax is still in its early stages, and researchers are still determining why Lanomax works on some dogs and not others. In some cases, alternatives to Lanomax may work better.

Treatment Alternatives to Lanomax

Pet owners and vets have suggested that if Lanomax doesn’t work for your dog, it is helpful to consider other treatments. An excellent alternative to Lanomax is the Plush Paws Advanced Lanosterol Solution. 

This solution is made with lanosterol, which helps reduce cataract build-up and stops the onset of cataracts. Here are some reasons that make our product really stand out: 

• It has been developed based on findings from in-depth biotech research. Plush Paws has employed a variety of biotechnology research companies to make the formula for the solution. The solution uses nanotechnology to ensure that the active ingredients penetrate the cataract lens. 
• It is GMP Certified. It’s made in a veterinary manufacturing facility that ensures quality and compliance. 
• It is a multi-use product. As well as being used to treat and soothe cataracts, it can also be used as eye lubrication. 

Our Plush Paws solution has received outstanding reviews from various dog parents and is an excellent alternative to Lanomax. You can purchase the Plush Paws Advanced Lanosterol Solution here. 

You can also try combining our Plush Paws advanced solution with Lanomax. Some preliminary research has found that a combination of different types of eye drops can be used to treat cataracts. 

How To Administer Eye Drops

You should only use Lanomax or the Plush Paws advanced solution if you have consulted with your vet. Put 1-2 drops of the solution in your dogs’ eyes three times a day. Continue this for two weeks or until you notice your dog’s eyes beginning to clear up.

Before administering the drops, ensure that you have washed your hands and cleaned the solution applicator. After administering the drops, you can put an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) on your dog. This will prevent your dog from rubbing its eyes once the drops are administered. You can take the collar off a few minutes after administering the drops. 

Alternative treatments for Dog Cataracts

Eye solutions like Plush Paws and Lanomax are most effective when used before cataracts wholly set in. If your dog has fully developed cataracts, your vet may suggest surgery to remove cataracts and improve vision. 

Here’s how a vet will remove cataracts from your dogs’ eyes through surgery: 

1. Your dog will be put under general anesthesia. 
2. The vet will remove the lens that has been clouded over with cataracts. 
3. They will replace the lens with an acrylic or plastic lens.
4. During and after the surgery, the vet may run tests to see the root cause of cataracts. Based on their causes, the vet may suggest other treatment options. 
5. After the surgery, you will have to put drops in your dog’s eyes to ensure they stay lubricated. 

There are some cases in which a vet may not recommend cataract surgery. If your dog is older or has several underlying conditions, the vet may not recommend surgery, as anesthesia can put your dog at risk. 

What Happens if You Don’t Treat Your Dogs’ Cataracts?

If you don’t treat your dog’s cataracts, the condition may develop into glaucoma, luxation, or cataract dissolution. These conditions are more severe than simple cataracts, as glaucoma can cause permanent blindness.

If left untreated, cataracts may begin to break down in the eye, which causes inflammation. If the dissolved cataracts are not treated, they may lead to glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused when there is extreme pressure being put on the eyes. As more pressure builds, your dogs’ optic nerves may be damaged, which can cause permanent damage. 

Luxation or posterior lens luxation is when the lens that usually sits at the front of the eye falls backward. This may block fluids from leaving the eye, causing pressure build-up, eventually damaging the optic nerve. In addition to loss of vision, luxation can also be extremely painful. 

How Can You Tell if Your Dog Is Developing Cataracts? 

You can tell your dog is developing cataracts if you notice a blue, white, or gray film over the eyes. This film will impact your dog’s vision, so look out for signs that your dog is disoriented or unable to see clearly.

Here are some other signs that may show that your dog is developing cataracts: 

• Clumsiness and disorientation. This is particularly evident if you notice your dog bumping into furniture, walls, or other objects. 
• Watery eyes.
• Changes in eye color, shape, or size. 
• Hesitation to climb or jump to higher surfaces. 

If you suspect your dog is developing cataracts, you should take them to the vet to confirm it and develop a treatment plan. 

Conditions That May Cause Cataracts in Dogs 

Cataracts tend to be a side effect of diabetes and aging. In some cases, cataracts may appear spontaneously, whereas they can develop slowly in others. This section provides a detailed breakdown of what can cause cataracts in dogs. 

Diabetes as a Cause of Cataracts in Dogs

Over 75% of dogs develop cataracts a year after they are diagnosed with diabetes. The eye lens is made with specific proteins created by specialized cells. When blood sugar levels are high, the cells that produce the proteins become less effective, reducing the strength of the lens. 

If your dog has diabetes for a sustained period, it will likely develop cataracts. 

Genetics Often Cause Cataracts in Dogs 

Eye diseases are some of the most common conditions that dogs inherit. Hereditary cataracts have been found to impact at least 97 different breeds of dogs. Purebred dogs are more likely to have hereditary cataract conditions than mixed breed dogs. 

Here are some breeds that are known to have hereditary cataracts:

• Boston terriers: Boston terriers have been found to have a recessive nucleotide that triggers cataracts. 
• Staffordshire bull terriers: Studies have found that Staffordshire bull terriers can develop cataracts when they are only a few months old. If untreated, bull terriers may be completely blind by the time they are three years old. 
• Australian shepherds: Research has found that Australian shepherds have a gene that makes them more susceptible to cataracts. 
• Miniature schnauzer: The Miniature Schnauzer has a recessive gene for developing cataracts. While they are less likely to develop cataracts, they will have an onset of cataracts if the gene is activated. 

Some other breeds that have been more susceptible to cataracts include the American Cocker Spaniel, Norwegian Buhund, the Entlebucher mountain dog, the Labrador, and the Golden Retriever. 

External Factors That May Cause Cataracts in Dogs 

Some external factors may trigger the onset of cataracts. These include: 

• Injuries: If foreign objects impact the eye lens, the cells which produce proteins may be damaged. This, in turn, leads to the formation of cataracts. 
• Jumping from high spots: When a dog jumps off an elevated platform, its optic nerve can be damaged. 
• Age: Even dogs that don't have a tendency for genetic cataracts may develop cataracts as they grow older. 

How To Prevent Cataracts in Dogs

While the onset of cataracts can be delayed and treated, it is better to try to prevent cataracts from forming in the first place. You can try to prevent cataracts from forming by checking on your dog’s genetic background, managing your dog’s diet, and conducting regular checkups. 

Check Your Dog’s Genetic Background

If you are getting a dog from a breeder, talk to the breeder to understand its ancestry. If the breeder notes that the dog’s parents have had a history of cataracts, you should pay extra attention to your dog’s eye health. 

Manage Your Dogs’ Diet

Diet can help your dog’s holistic health. To prevent the onset of cataracts, you should give your dog foods that support eye health. Foods that are good for a dog’s eye health include: 

• Blueberries: Blueberries contain carotenoids, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and nutrients that help strengthen the eye muscles. 
• Broccoli: Broccoli has beta-carotene, which reduces that amount of stress on our eyes. 
• Eggs: Raw eggs are protein-rich and can help build the eye lens. 

Try To Prevent the Onset of Diabetes

Diabetes is a significant cause of the development of cataracts. There are several ways you can reduce your dog’s risk of diabetes: 

• Ensure your dog has a healthy, balanced diet. Try to include both wet and dry food in its diet. 
• Maintain your dog’s weight. Dogs that are overweight have a much higher risk of developing diabetes. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and has access to plenty of water. 

Conduct Regular Cataracts Checkups

As your dog gets older, you should ensure you take it in for constant checkups. The vet will be able to check the health of your dog’s eyes and begin to detect the early development of cataracts. Your vet may also check your dog's blood sugar levels to ensure it is not starting to develop diabetes. 

It is essential to work with your vet to ensure that it doesn't progress past the treatment stage if your dog develops cataracts. 

Conclusion 

If your dog does develop cataracts, Lanomax is moderately effective in delaying the onset. However, it may not work for all dogs. You should try alternatives for Lanomac, like one of our Plush Paws solutions, to see what will work best for your dog.

Sources

• Aera: Signs Your Pet May Have Glaucoma or Cataracts
• Arvo Journals: Lanosterol Treatment of Induced Cataracts in Adult Zebrafish Shows Reduction of Cataract Severity
• Canine Medicine and Genetics: The Genetics of Eye Disorders in the Dog
• Just Answer: Dog Veterinary
• Melbourne Eye Vet: Posterior Lens Luxation 
• Med Crave: Combination of Two Non-Prescription Eye Drops for Early Cortical Cataracts
• Lanomax: FAQ – Technical Information 
• Science Direct: Traumatic Cataracts 
• Rehab Vet: What Is Cataracts in Dogs 
• Plush Paws: Plush Paws Products Advanced Lanosterol Solution + Nac | Dog Eye Care | Therapeutic Pet Eye Drops for Cataract | Promotes Vision Health & Dryness Relief (2 Packs) 
• Release The Hounds: Diabetes in Dogs 
• Vet Vests: Cataracts 
• Web MD: Cataracts in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
• Fetch by WebMD: Cataracts in Dogs
• Plus Paws: Homepage