Cataract Surgery

[lindy]

My 6 year old mini schnauzer had cataract surgery done. The decision was made when I came home one night to find her walking into walls and stationary items. I could tell she could see some shadows maybe but her vision was 90% gone and by day 5 she could not see a thing. Today is day 3 post surgery and other than being sleepy from the pain medication she is on, she seems to doing okay.

About the cataract surgery. Took her to the ophthalmologist who diagnosed a "mature cataract" and she had what he called cataract induced inflammation (uveitis). Because of what happened in the other eye (the cataract in that other eye caused her retina to detach which eventually lead to enucleation) he also suggested laser retinopexy (this is like stitching the retina to the wall).

I opted to have the cataract removed and also took to suggestion of having the laser retinopexy done because we already know she may be predisposed to having a weak retina, and one of the things that can happen after cataract surgery is retinal detachment.

I must admit I was not totally prepared for all the after care required after cataract surgery. On day she had the surgery (picked her up around 5pm) I had to administer 4 different eye drops at 2 hour intervals. For the next two weeks, it is 4 different eye drops every 6 hours and 1 ointment once a day plus 2 oral medications (the anti inflammatory med is once a day and pain killer is twice a day). The ophthalmologist wanted to see her for a recheck up the day after surgery and then 1 week following that. She has to wear the cone for at least 2 weeks, no jumping, no shaking (this one is hard to stop her from doing), and she is to be kept as quiet as possible (I have a Jack Russell and he doesn't quite understand why she can't play).

She is not out of the woods yet ...next 2 weeks is critical. I now have it down to a science how to administer her drops without it having to take time off work. First set is given at 6am, second set at 12 noon, 3rd set at 6pm, 4th set at 12 midnight.

She is now seeing much better ...not hitting walls ...but does have issues with seeing things up close I noticed (its like she severely short sighted). Not sure how far sighted she is either at this point, but all in all her vision is better than what it was before the surgery. I opted not to put in a lens so her vision will still be impaired but as long as she is not walking into walls or stationary objects I am a much happier mom....my wallet is not happy with me though ...ohhh what we do for our furry ones!

[Blinddogs.net]

Hope everything goes just fine these next two weeks.. it sounds like you've got the meds down to a science! Please keep us posted.. and wishing you all the best!

[lindy]

Hello everyone! I thought I would post an update on my doggie, Vodka, since getting cataract surgery about 6 weeks ago. Well, during her week 2 checkup they told me she has glaucoma and that also caused a superficial cornea tear. Same day, she had glaucoma surgery (they put a shunt in) and that seemed to help with the glaucoma since her IOP the next day registered about 15 (prior to surgery it was 45). More eye and oral meds to control inflammation, infection, and to heal the cornea tear. About 2 weeks later the cornea still hadn't healed and she was in pain. I am sad to report that we finally decided on eye removal.

I am now a proud owner of a dog with no eyes. Day after her second eye removal surgery, she wagged her tail which gave me great comfort for she had not wagged her tail for weeks! She is learning to get around the house and I must say she is surprising me! I know it's going to take a lot of time and patience to train her until she gets her confidence up, but all in all having a blind dog is not as bad as I thought it would be.

I am just happy she is not in pain anymore and that she can now concentrate on getting better and learning to live with the blindness.

Reading other people's experience on this site has given me great comfort and support during a difficult time and thank you all for sharing your stories!

[Blinddogs.net]

I'm so sorry to hear that things didn't go smoothly with the cataract surgery... but so happy to hear that Vodka is pain free and doing so well!! Will be watching for updates... and wishing you all the best!

[beachdog]

I have a blog about my dog Paris who recently went blind. Maybe some of the things I have done to help him deal with his blindness would help you.
The site is in my signature.
I hope Vodka continues to keep on wagging!