1. Open the application and start a chat with a certified vet.
2. Talk to the vet regarding the concern that is faced by your little one or have a regular chat about your pet’s health 
3. You will be presented with a personalized plan for your pet as soon as the expert assesses your furry friend’s condition.

• Reduced stress: Pets often experience higher levels of stress and anxiety when visiting a traditional veterinary clinic due to the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. CuddlyTails is an online platform that allows them to receive care from the comfort of their home environment, minimizing stress and potential complications.
• Video and photo consultation: CuddlyTails allows owners to share videos or photos of their pets, enabling the veterinarian to observe the pet’s behavior, mobility, and any potential issues in their familiar surroundings. This can provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.
• Accessibility to specialists: CuddlyTails provides access to a network of specialists, who can offer expert guidance on caring for pets and addressing any unique challenges they may face.
• Personalized advice: Through consultations and detailed discussions with the owner, CuddlyTails can offer personalized advice on creating a safe and enriching environment for pets, including tips on litter box placement, feeding routines, and navigating the home.

Nuclear sclerosis is a common condition in older dogs that affects the lens of the eye. It’s often confused with cataracts, but they are distinct conditions. Here’s a rundown on nuclear sclerosis:

What is Nuclear Sclerosis?

Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is a natural aging change in the lens of the eye. It occurs when the lens becomes denser and more opaque as the dog ages. Unlike cataracts, which are due to cloudiness of the lens caused by diseases or injury, nuclear sclerosis involves a hardening and slight bluish-gray tint of the lens that doesn’t typically impair vision significantly.

Symptoms

• Appearance: The lens may appear cloudy or bluish-gray, particularly when viewed under direct light.
• Vision Changes: While nuclear sclerosis can cause some vision changes, it generally does not lead to severe visual impairment. Dogs may experience some difficulty seeing in low light, but they usually adapt well.
• Behavioral Changes: Dogs may become less active or hesitant in unfamiliar environments, but these changes are often subtle.

Diagnosis

• Veterinary Examination: A veterinarian can differentiate nuclear sclerosis from cataracts through an eye exam. They may use a slit lamp or an ophthalmoscope to examine the lens more closely.
• Clinical History: The age of the dog can also be a clue, as nuclear sclerosis typically develops in dogs over 6-7 years old.

Treatment

• No Treatment Needed: Nuclear sclerosis is a normal part of aging and doesn’t require treatment. The condition doesn’t progress to cataracts or affect overall health.
• Monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure that any changes in vision are due to nuclear sclerosis and not another eye condition.

Prevention

• Age-related: As a condition associated with aging, nuclear sclerosis can’t be prevented. However, maintaining overall eye health through regular vet visits can help catch any other potential issues early.

Important Notes

• Not a Disease: It’s important to understand that nuclear sclerosis is not a disease but a natural part of the aging process.
• Differentiation from Cataracts: While nuclear sclerosis and cataracts can both cause lens opacity, cataracts often cause more significant vision problems and may require surgical intervention.

If you notice any changes in your dog’s vision or eye appearance, it’s always a good idea to have them checked by a vet to rule out other conditions and to ensure their eyes are as healthy as possible.

Detailed Characteristics

1. Lens Changes:
   • Appearance: The lens of the eye becomes progressively denser and less transparent. This can cause it to take on a bluish or grayish tint, which is visible upon examination.
   • Texture: The lens hardens with age due to the accumulation of fibers and changes in the lens’s internal structure.
2. Vision Impact:
   • Severity: While nuclear sclerosis can slightly affect vision, it’s typically not severe. Dogs usually adjust well to minor vision changes.
   • Adaptation: Many dogs learn to navigate their environment effectively despite the slight decrease in vision.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

1. Veterinary Examination Techniques:
   • Ophthalmoscope: This tool allows the vet to look inside the eye and assess the lens. The lens in nuclear sclerosis may appear more opaque than normal but still has a distinct structure compared to a cataract.
   • Slit Lamp: A slit lamp provides a detailed view of the eye, helping differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and other conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.
2. Differentiation from Cataracts:
   • Opacity Type: Nuclear sclerosis causes a uniform, diffuse cloudiness of the lens, while cataracts usually present as localized, opaque areas within the lens.
   • Vision Impact: Cataracts typically lead to significant vision loss and may require surgical intervention, whereas nuclear sclerosis does not usually necessitate surgery.

Treatment and Management

1. Monitoring:
   • Regular Check-ups: Even though nuclear sclerosis doesn’t require treatment, regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of the eyes and to ensure that any changes are not due to cataracts or other eye diseases.
2. Vision Aids:
   • Adjustments: Some minor adjustments in the home environment (like better lighting) can help dogs with mild vision changes. This isn’t a treatment for nuclear sclerosis but can help accommodate for any subtle vision changes.

Preventive Care

1. Overall Eye Health:
   • Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants can support eye health. Some supplements are also marketed for eye health, but their efficacy can vary.
   • Protection: Protecting dogs from trauma and ensuring they get regular eye exams can help catch other eye issues early.
2. Environmental Adjustments:

Safe Environment: Keeping your dog’s living area safe and free of hazards can help prevent accidents due to decreased vision.