My Katie Just Went Blind Almost Overnight

[Lincolnboy2]

It appears to be either SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Detachment Syndrome) or Glaucoma. Will know for sure after next Wednesday Opthamologist.

So she is very shook up about not being able to see. She is slowly adapting to getting around sightless at home, I can't imagine trying to take her out traveling anymore in the coach. She has had mobility issues the past couple of years with her rear legs/arthritis/weakness so I've had to carry her in and out of the MH in the past. But now she can't see so so cant jump up and look out to see me around anymore, can't imagine what her anxiety level would be then.


She is my longest, dearest, and most beloved little four legged soul. My Mother, God Rest Her, tracked the breeding line down in 1999 when I lost my first little one. She has been with me since she was 8 weeks old. I can't bear to see her with this disability, but she is a tough little girl and I'm cheering her on each time she successfully navigates back into the house from going outside to poddy.

Anyone out there with experience in this matter?

[SarahW]

Aw, I'm so sorry to hear this...poor Sadie. She looks like a little darling. We had a Yorkie who was nearly blind by the time he passed away in 2007; it was difficult but we managed. They are amazingly adaptable and can learn to get around pretty well in familiar surroundings.

[Ramblin]

Oh my. I have no experience with blindness in dogs, but I have a bit of knowledge about dogs in general, having bred and trained for a number of years.

One thing to maybe give you a bit of comfort is that sight is not a dog's primary sense, like it is for us humans. Dogs navigate the sensory world almost entirely by smell. So losing sight might not be as much of a handicap to Katie as it would be to you and I. She will probably adapt quickly, but will need to depend on you more for guidance. Let us know how she progresses, and good luck to you both.

[Hammer Down]

My son and his family adopted a pound dog about 6 years ago, for the last 2 years the dog has been totally bind with his eyes lids sown together. They live in a 3 story house and the dog is totally functional in the home environment. He maneuvers in the home well. We have to help him when he is not in his house with a lease but he is still a very important part of the family. Give her time she will adapt. Her love for your family hasn't diminished only her eyesight, Good luck.

[Lincolnboy2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramblin Oh my. I have no experience with blindness in dogs, but I have a bit of knowledge about dogs in general, having bred and trained for a number of years. One thing to maybe give you a bit of comfort is that sight is not a dog's primary sense, like it is for us humans. Dogs navigate the sensory world almost entirely by smell. So losing sight might not be as much of a handicap to Katie as it would be to you and I. She will probably adapt quickly, but will need to depend on you more for guidance. Let us know how she progresses, and good luck to you both.

Thank you so much I will and I appreciate it....very much!

[Lincolnboy2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammer Down My son and his family adopted a pound dog about 6 years ago, for the last 2 years the dog has been totally bind with his eyes lids sown together. They live in a 3 story house and the dog is totally functional in the home environment. He maneuvers in the home well. We have to help him when he is not in his house with a lease but he is still a very important part of the family. Give her time she will adapt. Her love for your family hasn't diminished only her eyesight, Good luck.

Amen, thanks so much!

[bsirby]

Such a shame! But as others have said, she will adapt probably better than you. We had a dog go blind when I was still at home. He got around very well. Just had to be careful outside. Good luck and keep us posted.

[UFO Pilot]

Our PBGV went blind at about 3 years old and he had his eyes removed about 1 year later. W told people that he never knew he was blind. He navigated our house from memory and traveled with us in the RV for the last 5 years. He went up and down the stairs at home and in the RV.

Sudden blindness may be different but your dog will adapt better than humans do. The eye Vet told us not to move anything around if we could avoid it.

[RustyJC]

I don't presume to know the details of your specific situation and Katie's overall health and life expectancy, but based on what we've faced and the miracles they've worked on one of our Shelties (another, unfortunately, they couldn't help), I would strongly recommend getting her to Texas A&M as quickly as you can. If there's ANYTHING that can be done for her, Texas A&M is her best chance at treatment and recovery.

Rusty

[Lincolnboy2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot Our PBGV went blind at about 3 years old and he had his eyes removed about 1 year later. W told people that he never knew he was blind. He navigated our house from memory and traveled with us in the RV for the last 5 years. He went up and down the stairs at home and in the RV. Sudden blindness may be different but your dog will adapt better than humans do. The eye Vet told us not to move anything around if we could avoid it.

Yes, and I never move anything if I can help it. I read that on the websites about it too. Thanks for the help and the assurances. Makes me feel better.

[Lincolnboy2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC I don't presume to know the details of your specific situation and Katie's overall health and life expectancy, but based on what we've faced and the miracles they've worked on one of our Shelties (another, unfortunately, they couldn't help), I would strongly recommend getting her to Texas A&M as quickly as you can. If there's ANYTHING that can be done for her, Texas A&M is her best chance at treatment and recovery. Rusty

Animal Ophthalmology Clinic :: Doctors

As a matter of fact, Dr. Munger (Animal Opthomolagy Clinic) is a graduate of A & M and he is also, I understand, well connected to information within the school and procedures as well. I have a longstanding history with him from back as far as 1992. We are scheduled for next Wednesday morning at 8:30.

Thanks Mr. Rusty.

[CPCooper]

We have a 17 1/2 year old Shitzu that looks almost like Katie. She has been blind for 6 years. She still gets around in the house and knows her way around the yard. Whe we travel she is okay walking outside in a strange place as long as she is on the leash. When she lost her sight, we asked the Vet. if we should put her to sleep or keep her with us. We though we were being cruel to her to let her be blind. The Vets answer was "They dont put people to sleep when they go blind do they" We are thankful for that advice and the years we have had with her since then.

[RustyJC]

I certainly was not trying to be critical of your local specialist, but we've had A&M-trained general practice and specialist veterinarians refer us to A&M as the last, best chance for a couple of critically ill Shelties. One they were able to save with heart surgery that none of the vets we saw in Houston would attempt; the other had chronic kidney failure and was at the stage where nothing could be done.

If the tone of my post came across wrong, again please be assured that it was made purely in compassion for you and Katie, not out of criticism for your local vets.

Rusty

[Lincolnboy2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC I certainly was not trying to be critical of your local specialist, but we've had A&M-trained general practice and specialist veterinarians refer us to A&M as the last, best chance for a couple of critically ill Shelties. One they were able to save with heart surgery that none of the vets we saw in Houston would attempt; the other had chronic kidney failure and was at the stage where nothing could be done. If the tone of my post came across wrong, again please be assured that it was made purely in compassion for you and Katie, not out of criticism for your local vets. Rusty

NOT AT ALL RUSTY! I didnt take your tone that way at all! I am right there with you and agree in all respect! I appreciate the information and never took your comment as critical. I love that you are as much of an animal lover as I and I know that because the care you have taken and the interest.

Thanks again Rusty.! Really, I very appreciate it! God Bless!