My poor baby (dog) is going blind :( Any advice appreciated.

breakfast roll

As the title says, my poor nine year old shih tzu is going blind and it's so sad to see her bumping into things and not being able to see. It's gotten so bad that she's started to walk into doors and constantly has her nose to the ground when I bring her out for walks for fear of bumping into anything else whereas she always used to have her head up high.

Her left eye started to become cloudy half a year ago. When I brought her to the vet, he said there wasn't much that could be done. He said it looked like a cataract was developing slowly, that I could opt for surgery but there were chances of it coming back. Over the past week I've noticed her right eye has started to become cloudy too and of course the bumping into things, not being able to see where her toys are while playing fetch. It breaks my heart to see her like this. I feel like she's scared and doesn't know what's happening to her. I just hope it's not sore for her.

I'm going to bring her to the vet, but was thinking it might be better to bring her to an eye specialist. Can anybody recommend an eye specialist around the North of Dublin area? Or is there any advice out there to help her? I know I probably sound silly, treating her like a human being, but she's my baby ! I'm sure there's people out there who understand

Thanks in advance.

teacherspet

Michael Woods, Primose Hill vet hospital, Tivoli Road. Dun Laoghaire. Phone 01-2803303.
He is the best in Ireland. Its nearly all he deals with. Probably could save both eyes. But it would cost you about 2 grand approx.

Shazanne

I fully understand how you are feeling and my heart goes out to you. Many years ago my cat had an eye problem and I brought him to Primrose Hill veterinary clinic in Dublin - dont't remember the location or address by you could google it. Absolutely excellent facility. I wish you and your baby the very best of luck:)

Burkatron

teacherspet wrote: »

Michael Woods, Primose Hill vet hospital, Tivoli Road. Dun Laoghaire. Phone 01-2803303.
He is the best in Ireland. Its nearly all he deals with. Probably could save both eyes. But it would cost you about 2 grand approx.

Michael did a great job on my Boy 4 years back, no problems since

Mo60

breakfast roll wrote: »

As the title says, my poor nine year old shih tzu is going blind and it's so sad to see her bumping into things and not being able to see. It's gotten so bad that she's started to walk into doors and constantly has her nose to the ground when I bring her out for walks for fear of bumping into anything else whereas she always used to have her head up high.

Her left eye started to become cloudy half a year ago. When I brought her to the vet, he said there wasn't much that could be done. He said it looked like a cataract was developing slowly, that I could opt for surgery but there were chances of it coming back. Over the past week I've noticed her right eye has started to become cloudy too and of course the bumping into things, not being able to see where her toys are while playing fetch. It breaks my heart to see her like this. I feel like she's scared and doesn't know what's happening to her. I just hope it's not sore for her.

I'm going to bring her to the vet, but was thinking it might be better to bring her to an eye specialist. Can anybody recommend an eye specialist around the North of Dublin area? Or is there any advice out there to help her? I know I probably sound silly, treating her like a human being, but she's my baby ! I'm sure there's people out there who understand

Thanks in advance.

I have a toy poodle aged approx. 15 years old who has been completely blind for about 3 years. When he first started loosing his sight he also used to bump into everything but soon found his bearings. Now he can find his way about - no problem. He seems to know exactly in which direction to go and just paces himself. Of course I have to keep an eye on him, but he usually manages to get about on his own and has adjusted well.

Ponder013

My Jack Russell Raymond is completely blind. I adopted him knowing he was blind and was advised to put strong smelling oil around obstacles he had to negotiate, like the coffee table and the sofa. I used peppermint oil.

I also put peppermint oil on his toys and in his bed, but to be honest, once he knows where something is, he remembers. When we go out, he follows my other dog's footsteps.

I think Ray would find it a lot harder to get around if it wasn't for my other dog, Nuala, he takes all his cues from her, and because she's confident, so is Ray. If it is the case that nothing can be done for your doggy, I would strongly suggest getting another dog.

The other thing to remember is that sight isn't the strongest sense for a dog, their nose is just as, if not more, important. Your doggy will get used to depending on her nose and ears if nothing can be done about the problem.

Good luck with it

breakfast roll

Thank you all for the replies. Really appreciate the contacts and advice