Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

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Marty
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Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Marty »

It seems to be mostly close-up things now. We think she can see people walking by the house, etc. I'm wondering if this requires a visit to a specialist. She has an appt for bloodwork tomorrow, and I'll ask the Vet to chck on this.
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davet
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by davet »

yeah, ask your vet first but blindness is not the terror for animals as it is for humans...i used to make house calls to a couple blind pets and one was so acclimated as soon as i got to the house the owner would call her down from the third floor...i cold hear her tearing down the steps across the hall and the next stesp stope by and sniff me and then into the kitchen where we treated her on the kitchen tables...las long as you don't mover the furniature around...they have speciall toys and balls that blind dogs can chase by hearing...but find out the problem first and if it is bad both you and yor pet can live with it...good luick
Tia's mommy

Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Tia's mommy »

Godd for you for taking her in for bloodwork. Tia's eyesight starting failing rapidly since the New Year. The vet was able to immediately diagnose diabetes although the bloodwork was sent of to determine how much insulin to give her. One thing that has amazed me is that Tia's eyesight has improved considerably since she started with her insulin. Davet, or others, can you explain this? As far a giving her insulin, you won't find anyone as squeamish as me but I am able to give her the injections just fine. Tia is so funny, when she hears us get the insulin from the fridge or take the wrapper off of the needle she comes running and gets ancy if I take too long. She would rather have an injection than have me clean her eyes!!!! Of course, she gets a treat after everytime. Good lick!
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Marty
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Marty »

Well, she had a CBC before having a lump removed last month, and it detected a not too important liver problem. She has been taking a supplement, and will now have the blood test repeated. I don't don't know if this could be connected to her vision or not. I'm glad your baby is doing better!
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Marty
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Marty »

Well, the news is not real good....he said she has the beginnings of cataracts and the pressure in her eyes is slightly elevated. He couldn't detect any vision with the tests he did. He will refer us to an ophthalmologist 100 mi away if we want to do that....he said he wouldn't if she were 12, but she is only 8. I guess we owe that much to her, to at least see what he would have to say. The meds to treat are expensive, and surgery is much worse. And I know glaucoma, if untreated, will be painful. I am glad he was honest with me, but am feeling a bit lost (this has been one expensive little chow mix lately). I would appreciate any input or personal experiences with this.
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davet
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by davet »

no way that i can give any imput not knowing any more that you have posted and your vet can't...i personally would be a little hesitant about going for the eye-vet cause, with the exception of cataracs and glaucoma drainage i have never seen any blindness reversed...which mean it can't happen but just remember blindness in dogs in not as psychological traumatic as in humans....they attune very well with their ears....good luck
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Marty
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Marty »

I'm not too worried about her being blind....if she can't see much now, she is getting around OK. I just don't want her to be in pain from this.
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Traci
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Traci »

Personally, if your vet recommended the opthalmologist, I would have Java seen. It could be your vet suspects the condition is outside of his experience level, so it may be in Java's best interests to get that second opinion. The specialist may have more to offer you in terms of surgery or medications, based on his experience and knowledge, you would at least have that second opinion to form your decisions.
..........Traci
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Marty
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Marty »

Yes, he did tell me it is beyond what he can do. I just talked with him, and her blood work all came out normal, so there is nothing wrong with her to be causing eye problems. He is going to get an appt for us to have her eyes looked at further.
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Marty
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Re: Aww, we're thinking Java may be going blind.

Post by Marty »

They must have had a cancellation, because we get to go to UGA tomorrow. I always get hung up in the idiotic loop around that city...ugh!
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