Update on Panda Boy
As I suspected Panda does not have full sight in that eye but perhaps he sees some shadows. The better news is, that he has a cataract in the eye and not glaucoma which is far more serious. Visiting the opomologist today for test and a few hundred dollars poorer but still a proud mama just the same!! The otomologist was so impressed that a dog with Panda's background would sit at my side (although muzzled) and just leaned against me as if (she said) he was knew his mama was close by so no need to worry. He put up with the eyedrops and lights being shone into his eyes and even a prodder thingie..no jumping or flinching!!!! Granted we both kinda smiled at each other as I said "when he's stressed his mouth will twitch but he's never tried to bite". Well his mouth was twitching . ..still needed a muzzle as a precaution. But boy was I proud of him!!! When I told him to sit he just came around to my side and sat through the entire exam. No way could we have even attempted to do that 2 years ago!!! In a nutshell, I could opt for surgery at the cost of 3,000 dollars by this vet whom is a certified optomologist, but would mean extensive testing , every two wks before the surgery and the aftercare would mean eyedrops up to 16 times per day Gulp! Ironically, while the cost is way beyond my means at this time not impossible as I would get a loan. More importantly they felt that due to his background putting in that amount of eyedrops after surgery would be pretty impossible for Panda and would stress him out. The aftercare is so extensive that weighing the stress or lack of sight in one eye is what I would have to think about. The optomologist felt as his sight was fine in the other eye she herself would not have the surgery for Panda. So....I've gone home with my prescription for eyedrops...and have to try them out on him twice a day. Cough cough...ohhh yup I can see he's going to be a happy camper. Still, I'll give it a try. The eyedrops are for a slight irritation in his eye but to also see if he'd even put up with having them placed in his eye. Last thing, for those of you whom may come across the same problem: Written from the handout the optomologist gave me: Dogs unlike humans have a greater chance of developing intracular inflammation (uveitis) after cateract surgery. It can lead to secondary problems like glaucoma, retinal detachment and blindness. Long term follow- up with frequent medical at home treatment is the best way to control intraocular inflammation. Both myself and the vet felt Panda would not be a good candidate but I'll probably be able to judge more when I try giving him eyedrops this week. Panda appreciates all the well wishes, belly rubs and kisses sent his way. Oh last thing..really I mean it this time..  It was perfect that Panda had his hair clipped so short as no problem at all with the specialist conducting the test. Yippiiiiii I've redeemed myself for getting his hair clipped that short in the middle of winter!!
Marianne and the boys |
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| Marianne,
Good luck and best wishes to Panda! |
Good news that it's not more serious, and great that he sat for the appointment!  |
| YAY Panda boy, the girls are very impressed you sat there a good boy for your momma and let the eye specialist have a look at those big brown smoochy eyes.
Marianne, cataract is not too bad, better then the other options, if he has failing vision in that eye due to the cataract completely covering the eye, he will cope OK.  There is more risk of something going wrong with cataract sugery and the cost is just astronmical and his quality of life will not be altered in anyway if you choose to not have it removed.
I am so happy for you that the diagnosis is not too bad, panda has come a long way with your tender loving care and I so admire how far this boy has got because of you. I have really been in awe reading pandas story and the progress he has made because of you. 
Hugs lovely panda boy and cuddles to your mom for being the great caring mom that she is for ewe.  |
| Glad to hear it's only a cataract and nothing more serious!
A big hugs, kisses and belly rubs to Panda for being such a good boy for the Dr. |
yay  what a good boy panda. Boo is sending big wet kisses your way |
| Marianne, Take it from a guy who has had cataracts taken out in both eyes, has glaucoma in one eye and had a detached retina in the same eye that has the glaucoma, you just cope and make due with what you do have. Dogs are amazing creatures and manage to adjust quite well on what they are given. The best news is how well he did during the examination. I hope when he got home he was given some special treats for being such a good patient. |
| Marianne, you have done a wonderful job with this boy. to you and Panda. |
| Hugs and big old kisses for Panda!!!!!!!!!!! |
Way to go Panda  |
| That's good news, Marianne. I'm so glad to hear it is not something more serious.
I'm especially happy to hear that your boy did so well for the exam. What a wonderful testament to the difference love & patience make in a dog's life. |
| Marianne,
In June Bosley had surgury on his eyeball and needed to wear a cone for 6 weeks, 24 hours a day...He got 12 drops a day at the beginning, and I had to get up during the nite to put them in, too. It was a immense amount of maintenance, and he had to be kept separated from Dixie the whole time, with weekly vet visits and examination. We did it because the option was to "remove" the eye, and he was barely 1 year old at the time. Bosley takes a lot man-handling and rough treatment (from my boys  ) at the best of times, and was a doll through this whole period. I cannot imagine going through that with a dog who was less than cooperative. Something like that can very easily develop into all kinds of fears and aversions.
There are a lot worse things that can happen, and some things are best left to be. A painful emergency is one thing, but our dogs are not perfect, so a natural detioration that does not cause pain or "need" to be dealt with for the well-being of the dog are sometimes better left as is. Panda will do fine with sight in one eye. There are many dogs who do and it will make him more special. Hugs to your boy... |
| Thanks so much for all the wonderful responses! I am so appreciative that all of you spent the time to add your comments and well wishes.
I also had a bit of the guilt factor as part of me wants to say.. do whatever it takes,save the sight in that eye! The logical part of me knows that muzzling Panda 16 times daily would not be in his best interest. The vet did tell me about a dog like Panda whom had it done and the stress became too much for him and he became very aggressive as a result. With the possibility of infection after surgery and the huge stress factor, guess it's not for Panda. He's been through enough and has coped fine so far. Just have to keep warning people at the dog park to watch out when all the dogs are running. LOL!  Panda only runs for short distance anyhow as I'll save the stress factor should he ever need the hip dysplasia surgery.
Despite all his afflictions it's really not me who has done wonders with Panda - it's his spirit, his gentle nature and the fact that he learned to trust people again. (dabs eyes). It's all about him. Jack and Nicole I appreciate you writing about your experiences, Lisa, thanks for your kind comments in regards to Panda. Everyone else too (sorry dislike calling you guys "everyone else" as you are more than that - we are a OES family !) Big thanks as well! Marianne and Panda boy |
| Panda girl wants to tell Panda boy that it takes a strong man to behave as well as he did...and no matter what, Panda girl will always be in love with Panda boy |
| Wow--such a good boy during his exam! |
| Good boy Panda! We are proud of you! Marianne, he couldn't ask for a more caring Mother. You know what's best and that is that. |
| Thanks again for the well wishes!
I did forget to mention that Panda got his favorite liver treats and turkey when he arrived home. He sends much love to everyone and thanks again for the concern. Marianne and Panda boy |
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