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Michelle
August 13 at 17:57
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Cataracts
My husband and I recently rescued a Westie-Chihuahua mix. Our vet told us that he has "juvenile" cataracts. It is a very expensive undertaking to proceed with surgery and I wanted to find out if anyone has a pet with this type of medical problem and how you are dealing with it. Any info would be appreciated!
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Sherrie
 
August 13 at 20:48
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Re: Cataracts
How old is your pup? That would be the determining factor for me. Cataract surgery shouldn't be done on older dogs (dogs over 10 years of age, especially). I had a Yorkie that had the surgery at age 13, and not only was it unsuccessful, but she suffered serious problems as a result. I now wish I had just tried to help her adjust to blindness rather than putting her through the surgery.
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Michelle
August 14 at 09:20
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Re: Cataracts
Buster is about 15 months. Our vet thought now would be the time to do it since he is young but there are a lot of things that can happen in surgery that have us concerned. Right now we have decided that we are not going to pursue surgery because of the cost and the high risk factors. We are mainly concerned if he will be able to lead a happy life with his eyes as they are now. He seems happy but then again we don't know how much he can actually see. Thanks for you comment!
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Sherrie
August 14 at 10:04
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Re: Cataracts
I personally would not put another dog through that surgery. Feel free to e-mail me privately if you want to discuss further. There are many risks, as well as a huge commitment to medications after the surgery, etc.
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Corinne
August 16 at 00:00
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Re: Cataracts
I had an older dog that went blind gradually (cataracts due to diabetes).. she did quite well, she would still take walks, but I was her seeing eye dog.. describing where she was going as we went along 'hold on, we have a step..' etc and using her leash to keep her out of trouble... she actually went hiking up Seneca Rock hiking path in WV. You do have to give up moving furniture around.. after a bit, your dog will know every inch and can even zoom around.
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Roxie, Baxter, & Gus
 
August 16 at 16:54
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Re: Cataracts
Baxter was diagnosed with cataracts at 2 1/2 years. I had him worked up for the surgery at UC Davis earlier this summer. They do several tests and measure the function of the retina. Apparently his retinas do not function properly, so the vet thinks that he has Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and that the cataracts are a result from this, along with the deterioration of his eyes. If you do go through the screening, make sure they give you the chances of this surgery working. Since Baxter's retinas are basically shot, there is no use in putting him through the surgery. In addition, we found that he has narrow angle glaucoma in the right eye, and he is on eye drops forever for that. Eventually, he will probably have to have that eye removed. Right now he gets steroid drops in his eyes and will need his pressures checked every six months. Early glaucoma will also cause cataracts. The vet needs to determine if the cause is genetic or a symptom of something else. I would suggest a vet school for your dog, because usually, vet schools are up to date on the latest and greatest procedures and usually a little bit cheaper. You would have a doctor and a student looking after your dog, which is good...the more the better. If they can give you some assurance that the surgery will improve your dog's sight, I honestly think it is worth it. Your dog has many years left to benefit from seeing. It is quite a committment. Many trips to the vet for checkups. You have to give eye drops around the clock for several weeks, and then a few times a day afterwards. If Baxter could have benefitted, I would have done it. But, just know dogs accomodate VERY well to blindness. Occassionally Baxter bumps into things, but other than that, he gets around GREAT and is a very happy boy and has a great quality of life. Cataract surgery is very expensive...up to around $2000.00. If it works, then it is WELL worth it. They have had great success with this surgery. Sorry to hear your dog has this problem. Hopefully you'll figure out what is best for him in the long run. It is a tough decision and I felt bad for Baxter, but the dog doesn't know any different as long as he is loved. He can be just as happy and have just as great of a life blind as he would if he could see. Baxter's nose is VERY good now!!!! The best of luck to you!
Anissa
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Lynda and the Minkies
August 16 at 18:08
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Re: Cataracts
That's a shame.....poor Baxter...but as long he's happy.
XXX.
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