blindness in dogs

[Annlinda]

Over the last couple of days I have realised that my diabetic 10 year old terrier is losing her sight she is getting about fine but doesn't see things close to. She is scenting food etc when you put it in front of her. Have any other Abers experience with a blind dog? I know that furniture and food and water must stay in the same place but I would be grateful for any tips. At her last blood test 2 weeks ago the vet did say her eyes were not too good and to expect this to happen but I am finding it hard to keep a brave face on it.

[Goofy]

you have to make sure she is able to find her way around outside as well. Take her on the same route for her walks, so she knows where she is, an most importantly where she can do her 'business'.

You can tell wheterh she is distressed, and as long as she is obvously happy, then no problem.
I'm not keen on loads of operations on pets - they don't understand that the pain and distress is going to help later - animals think NOW.

[jules77]

I havnt had any experience of complete blindness, although I am sure my oldest vision was impared and they lost their hearing.

this site may give you a few ideas

http://www.gsdhelpline.com/blind.htm

[jakep]

Our 7 year old lab is now totally blind due to PRA. She finds her way around fine in the house and garden, we just have to remember to be tidy. We let her off lead in the woods where we have always walked and even throw things for her. She can hear them land and then sniffs them out when she gets closer.
We allowed ourselves to grieve for a couple of days and then got on with it - she is the important one - not us.
She is very happy and has adjusted well. As long as you are vigilant and keep your eyes on the path ahead she will be fine.

[lankeela]

My old girl had gradually lost her sight and found her way about fine, even on walks she just stayed in my tracks and used her other senses (hearing, smell) to follow where me and the other dogs went. They are remarkably resilient and particularly if it is a gradual onset I am sure you won't notice much difference.

Give her a cuddle from me - I lost mine on Christmas Night, aged fifteen and three quarters, she died peacefully in her sleep.

[Annlinda]

So sorry for your loss lankeela lovely way for dog to go but sad for you. Our old boy died in his sleep onJune2nd then later that day our pup Morse went on to qualify for Crufts. Thank you goofy, jules and anniebar for your help

[lou100]

Although not totally blind, my terrier lost alot of her sight a couple of years before she passed away. I think they really do rely on smell and other senses. Keep routines as much the same as possible, and also food/water in the same place. Its hard when they're getting old but just keep loving and cuddling them as much as possible.