Going blind

[Guest samstheman]

Hi all, got a yorkie x JRT who must be 10 years old by now (not sure of his DOB as was a rescue dog). He has an obvious cataract to one eye which has rendered him blind. Vet has suggested removing the cataract, but I am not so sure. At his age, would the anaesthetic not be a risk? He has retired from working (but still has a go,bless him) and is now a family member as a pet only. The blindness does not seem to bother him, as the other eye seems ok at the moment. Should I let him spend the rest of his life half-blind and seemingly happy within the comfort of his family, or should I put him through surgery to restore his sight? Any replies welcome, as I am feeling very torn in this situation.

Cheers,

Mari

[mad al 146]

Difficult one Mari, we had a collie/springer cross with the same problem. We decided against surgery and let him have the freedom of the farmyard, eventually he lost all vision, at a fair age, but still knew his way about the yard and was really happy.

As time caught up with him, he had enjoyed himself and we had the been able to see this and be there for him, as with your pooch , age was the deciding factor for us, but we didn't regret it for a minute......Al

[Guest MOLLY]

Anaesthetic is a risk at any age Mari, if he is in good health at his age it should'nt be a problem and vets will be aware for the levels to give him. I know dogs cannot tell you so i have to go from human experience. My 80yr old father has recently had cataracts removed and his eyesight has improved 100% and he is over the moon he had it done

Remember your terrier may still have another 6+yrs of living still to do will he have to spend it on a lead, never able to mooch again because of blindness. Im a great believer the quality of life should be more important than the length. Rather have a dog die young after living a full life than one live long wrapped in cotton wool

MOLL.

[Dawn B 212]

It wouldnt be cheap, but will be 100% successful, not old for a Terrier, its your choice. Good luck.

Dawn.

[Guest ROOSTER]

HAD it done to a twelve year old apso, not a bit of trouble.

Edited November 15, 2006 by ROOSTER

[inan 841]

Anaesthetic is a risk at any age Mari, if he is in good health at his age it should'nt be a problem and vets will be aware for the levels to give him. I know dogs cannot tell you so i have to go from human experience. My 80yr old father has recently had cataracts removed and his eyesight has improved 100% and he is over the moon he had it done

Remember your terrier may still have another 6+yrs of living still to do will he have to spend it on a lead, never able to mooch again because of blindness. Im a great believer the quality of life should be more important than the length. Rather have a dog die young after living a full life than one live long wrapped in cotton wool

MOLL.

very sensible adviceId say.

[Guest Ditch_Shitter]

I grew up in an age where Dogs were part of the family. Roamed the streets. Were left alone, as nature made them. Bit only those who damn well asked for it. Saw a vet only when they were in trouble and there was no more we could do for them. Old, blind Dogs were part of every day life. Insurance was something ye had on ye mortgage. Ye life, if ye were well off enough. That was then.

 

Year or so back, my Bro' asked my opinion of having a 'Cattaract Operation' done on his aging, infirm, pet terrier. It was insured and the vet couldn't wait to get the scalpels out.

 

I told him then; " Gar'? Never mind the inherrant risks of the knock out, mate; Why f*ck that poor Dog around so much, at his age? He doesn't think of it as a problem. He knows where he lives and shall always find his food, water bowl and a warm lap. "

 

My Bro's one of these guys; Asks every ones opinion. Consideres them all. Then does just exactly what he'd first decided to do anyway. He went for the op.

 

That f*cked up. Vets said there was Another op. He went for that too ~ cost the Insurance thousands. Vets made their money though. Second op' seemed to have worked on one eye, at least.

 

Three months later? F*cking Dog died of 'old age'. Do ye honestly think all that pulling around made him die a happier Dog? Face it: The immense strains on his old system probably did more to see him off than his fourteenth birthday did!

 

Bro' came back to me, after that. " You were right. " He said. FFS.

 

 

Modern day 'vets'. Estate Agents. Personal Injury Claim merchents. Ian Woods. One thing in common .....

[robert bell 20]

nice one

[Guest samstheman]

Thanks guys, made up my mind on the strength that it doesn't seem to bother my Trevor, so no butcher is touching the wee boy's peepers!

[Squirrel_Basher 17,100]

ADVICE -Not all cateracts are vision imparing ,depends on the density of it ,and remain so for years .Not all suspected cateracts are in fact cateracts at all and are more serious.Displaced retina starts as a bluish tint to the pupil but spreads to the rest of the eye very quickly .All sight is lost in this eye .Once dog has it in one eye ,then its 99% that 6 months to a year will see the other eye the same .No surgery available to cure the displaced retina ,only removal of the eye .A second vetenary opinion is adviseable when dealing with eyes .