Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy eyes?

[veritas honus]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

I'm not sure whether it bothers her although a while ago she would knock here nose on a chair leg for example if she turned to the left.
She seems to have stopped doing that now.
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The most profound issue here is depth perception. This is why she knocked her nose on the chair leg. She stopped doing that because she's begun to naturally compensate. This compensation eases the ill effects of the problem, yet the problem persists; and will add stress to her life. She'll deal with it so well, you'll hardly ever notice anything out of the norm in her behavior. This being said, should she have to deal with it for the rest of her life? You say, "Now I think I'm a bad pet owner." Wrong... Your seeking advice, the opinions of others, and taking all thoughts into consideration. It's obvious that you care tremendously about and for your dog.

Although surgery on the eyes is a pretty scary concept, cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure, with bad outcomes being pretty rare today. Most bad outcomes are due to lack of, or improper post surgical care by the patient, or the patients care givers. Your dog is a beloved member of your family. I would have the surgery done for her.

 

[alexr254]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

I dont think its a big deal being blind from one eye. And i say this from experience, since i am completely blind from my left eye. No i dont wear a eye patch like a pirate... No one can even tell i am blind from one eye, except for the eye doctors. And i dont bump into stuff because i think its further or closer then it looks... That just isnt true...

The only difference with me is that i cant get it fixed since i have optic nerve atrophy.
So i live with it for basically my entire life and i can do everything just like a normal person, except for experince 3D movies in the same way. Which i dont think will be an issue for your dog

I drive, play sports, all that good stuff. So if the decision were mine, i would leave it as is as long as my dog has one good eye i think its enough to live just fine.

Besides isnt a dogs sense of smell used much more then sight? If a dog were to go completely blind, the dog would adapt to the environment, but also in some cases the dogs temperment may change and the dog may become more aggresive. I guess it depends on the dog.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

Besides isnt a dogs sense of smell used much more then sight?
I dont think its a big deal being blind from one eye.... i can do everything just like a normal person, except for experience 3D movies

This breed of dog is known as a 'sight hound' rather than a 'scent hound' so I think it may make more of a difference in her case.

She is also a big fan of 'Avatar' & 'Space Dogs' and has watched them at least 4 times.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

I would have the surgery done for her.

I value your input veritas honus, and appreciate the offer. Will you come pick her up by boat?

Seriously, I think we'll get it done pretty soon now. I think the benefits for the next 10 years for her quality of life far outweigh the post op lampshade.

Thanks again pal and to all of you for you opinions.

 

[Hydra-sport_Road-kill]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

The answer to weather or not she is suffering is difficult because of the connotations of that word. Dogs live in the now and don't spend time wishing things could be different on the human emotional level. Your dog spends no time thinking about how much better her life would be if she could see better. She does however dislike banging into stuff each and every time this happens. The young age of your pet is certainly a consideration as well as your financial situation. These procedures are somewhat expensive. I worked in the clinic with with this particularly well know animal ophthalmologist in Arlington near Dallas, Texas. Let me know by PM if you have any more specific questions regarding this pet issue.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

I value your input veritas honus, and appreciate the offer. Will you come pick her up by boat?

Seriously, I think we'll get it done pretty soon now. I think the benefits for the next 10 years for her quality of life far outweigh the post op lampshade.

Thanks again pal and to all of you for you opinions.

Cheers, my Friend.

The answer to weather or not she is suffering is difficult because of the connotations of that word. Dogs live in the now and don't spend time wishing things could be different on the human emotional level. Your dog spends no time thinking about how much better her life would be if she could see better. She does however dislike banging into stuff each and every time this happens. The young age of your pet is certainly a consideration as well as your financial situation. These procedures are somewhat expensive. I worked in the clinic with with this particularly well know animal ophthalmologist in Arlington near Dallas, Texas. Let me know by PM if you have any more specific questions regarding this pet issue.

Brilliant post!!!

Hydra-sport_Road-kill,

I didn't get the impression that you meant to be humorous; but the first line I hilighted red was pretty funny. The next line, hilighted and Bold, had me seriously LMAO!!!

Please don't think of me as a callous jerk. Your post is truelly insightful, well thought out, and obviously coming from one with a respectable level of intelect. Let me assure you, Marco will be in full agreement with everything I've said here. I hope I havn't offended you. If I have, please accept my sincere apology.

Again... Brilliant post.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

Your dog spends no time thinking about how much better her life would be if she could see better.
She does however dislike banging into stuff each and every time this happens.
These procedures are somewhat expensive.

Excellent Stuff Hydra.
I really, REALLY appreciate the link and getting your opinion.
I don't have a problem with the cost as I'm very, very wealthy........
........actually, I'm covered by my pet insurance for the whole procedure, otherwise she can go whistle and bump into things.:facepalm:

How long realistically is the post op care with the lampshade?

By the way veritas, I second everything you said, and your humour

 

[RandyJ]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

As much as I love my dogs it would have to be a financial decision for me to have cataract surgery performed on a dog. Of course, my dogs are old, not young. They may live another 4 or 5 years. They don't do much but hang around, play, and are very very enjoyable companions. They do not depend on having excellent vision to make a living. So, tho' I very much care about them it still comes down to a financial decision for us. I'm sure they'd have a little better quality of life but for me to spend more than a couple hundred dollars it would have to be more than an inconvenience for the dogs. It would have to be a very serious quality of life issue for me to be willing to have the surgery done. So, as mentioned before your financial ability and willingness is going to be the determining factor. Personally, if I could afford it then I'd probably have it done for my own peace of mind. If the dog's life expectancy is only a couple of years then I'd forgo the operation as the operation and recovery is also not a very happy thing for the dog. Some of the things we do for animals are rather scary if not shocking for them. As long as they're happy and comfortable and well taken care of I'm okay with it... some people have a problem with what is meant by "well taken care of".

 

[Hydra-sport_Road-kill]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

I'm not at all offended by your reaction or responses to my post. I'm glad you did not in fact take offense at my stating what's obvious to most people but escapes some pet owners. This ire is sparked when we hint at pets not being human.

The answer to the question of length of time wearing the e-collar is specific to your dog's behavior and your veterinarian's policy. Wasn't it in the Disney Movie UP where we in fact learned this is not known by the dogs themselves as the lampshade, rather as the "cone of shame"?

If the dog's behavior indicates no need for the e-collar because they are not rubbing at the eye(s) there may be no requirement or at best a one day post op observation period. Your vet opthalmologist may have a policy of three days or until the follow-up visit or until the meds are finished. It's really about not taking the chance that the irritation from the surgery that the dog will not understand will induce them to cause self trauma to their eye. My kids are six and nine, I have the same issues with them about not: touching/scratching/UN-bandaging to look at, the boo-boo.

Let's guess that two days will be plenty of time w/o complications. It will be a couple of days before your dog feels 100% on recovering from the general anesthesia.

Now I'm curious as to how soon this procedure will take place. By the way, I suspect you will have regular (frequent) post op eye meds (drops) to instill in your dog's eyes. If this type of interaction between you and your pet is not convivial as of yet, make it so. My dog thinks nail trimming is a trip to Disney Land because I make it that way. Oh my! That's two Disney references in one post.:redface: I better close now.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

If the dog's life expectancy is only a couple of years then I'd forgo the operation as the operation and recovery is also not a very happy thing for the dog.

I agree Randy, however we are hoping that Rosie has a good 10-12 years in her and she has a decent insurance policy so the whole procedure will only cost me $50-100.
Mind you, I think after reading all these posts I would have forked out the cash anyway.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

This ire is sparked when we hint at pets not being human.

Wasn't it in the Disney Movie UP where we in fact learned "cone of shame"?

Let's guess that two days will be plenty of time w/o complications.

Now I'm curious as to how soon this procedure will take place. By the way, I suspect you will have regular (frequent) post op eye meds (drops) to instill in your dog's eyes. If this type of interaction between you and your pet is not convivial as of yet, make it so.

My Rosie is human for sure, her dog licence shows her surname as the same as mine...............mind you......

She hasn't seen that film yet but she will when she has her eye done, pointless now as it's in 3D

2 days would be bareable, I was thinking it would be on for a week or more.

The vet did mention the drops. Are you saying I should start with some drops now to get her used to it?

Hydra, I'm so glad you have contributed to this. You really have put a full stop on it and we've made our mind up.
I actually want you to do the op!

Veritas, go pick him up on the way my friend!!

 

[alexr254]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

I agree Randy, however we are hoping that Rosie has a good 10-12 years in her and she has a decent insurance policy so the whole procedure will only cost me $50-100.
Mind you, I think after reading all these posts I would have forked out the cash anyway.

If i had the same insurance as you do, and my dog was the same age, i would definately go for it.
My dog also has cataracts according to the vet, and he is quite young, they say it must be hereditary. But he dosnt show any signs of stress or aimlessly bumping into things, and his temperment is always the same fun lovng and playful type. If that ever changes i may think harder about eye surgery for him, if i had insurance like you do, i would not think twice.

Its expensive and a hard choice.

Its great to see how much you care for your dog!!!

here is a pic of my dog "puppy"

 

[Hydra-sport_Road-kill]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

Glad to be of service to you and your canine companion in any small way of I can. I hope didn't give you the idea I am a veterinary ophthalmologist. Those who are board certified in this specialty are some really high-powered and highly sought after artisans. I watched the guy who owns the clinic referenced in my earlier post. He could navigate completely inside the front part of an eye through a hole only big enough for a needle and made it look simple. I remember thinking how steady his hands were and that he had never had a cup of coffee in his life.

About practicing medications with your dog. Basically you have the right idea but please don't put anything your vet does not agree to in your dogs eyes. For instance don't think human eye drops we can buy at the local pharmacy for eye irritations are ok for pets. You can just practice the part up to getting your dog to come and lay still with his/her head on your lap while you slow and gently with soothing voice manipulate the pretend bottle of eye drops for the treatment. He she is trained that doing this just so, makes you so happy and earns a small treat for their cooperation and for being super still and compliant. I'd expect you could get to the point where your dog would be reminding you that it was time for more eye meds.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

A lot of good stuff going on in this thread. I'm glad you started this, Marco.

iboats is GREAT!!!

PS: I know you'll keep us posted, Marco. Maybe post a couple more pics...

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

PS: I know you'll keep us posted, Marco. Maybe post a couple more pics...

Will do veritas. Your absolutely right about iboats. Love it!

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

If i had the same insurance as you do, and my dog was the same age, i would definately go for it.
My dog also has cataracts according to the vet, and he is quite young, they say it must be hereditary. But he dosnt show any signs of stress or aimlessly bumping into things, and his temperment is always the same fun lovng and playful type. If that ever changes i may think harder about eye surgery for him, if i had insurance like you do, i would not think twice.

Its expensive and a hard choice.

Its great to see how much you care for your dog!!!

here is a pic of my dog "puppy"

I appreciate your comments alexr and we are definitely going ahead with the surgery thanks to all my friends input.

Lovely dog you have there!

How do you post large pics like that? I can only ever get a thumbnail

 

[alexr254]

Re: Is there a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the house? or someone who knows doggy ey

When i enter in the picture i paste the URL and uncheck "Retrieve remote file and reference locally"