Glaucoma in dogs

[ladybird49]

Our " mac " has the above , devastated is an understatement , do you know of any other dogs with this condition ?

[ladybirder]

Luckily it is not something I have come across with my dogs but I'm sure somebody will be along shortly who knows about it. So sorry, you must be very worried.

[seadogg]

A rotten thing at any age but if mac is getting on he will get by with the aid of his nose. One of our best friends, a Westy, has a good life even though quite blind.

[Graham-W]

Not had it in dogs but one of our cats had it. He was diabetic and needed insulin injections twice a day. He lasted about three years post diagnosis before he went blind and had a pretty good two years after that. He'd learned his way about before he lost his sight and we were just careful not to move furniture or leave obstructions in his way.
I know it's heartbreaking but they learn to adapt.

[rsvp]

sorry to hear about Mac ladybird - his condition is one a lot of dog owners have to contend with. A few years ago my dog developed cataracts, I took her to the canine eye specialist hospital near Hereford - won't bore you with the story but decided that at 15 her quality of life was likely to be more compromised by the operation than not so declined it. I subsequently had a completely blind dog at 16 who had a very good quality of life for another two and a half years simply because I adapted my house and grounds to suit her. My suggestions are, now, before he goes blind, put herb plants where his water bowl, feed bowl, bed are and keep them going - he will use his nose to locate these. Put matting strips just before steps, he will become accustomed to the change in sensation. Don't change the layout of the rooms and don't leave things lying about on the floor. Honestly, it's not the end of the world for Mac - it just takes adjustment. xx

[ladybirder]

rsvp, that sounds jolly good advice for the OP. I shall try and consign it to memory in case I ever need it. X

[ladybird49]

Thankyou all x , Mac is 9 and a x breed . hes on 3 lots of eye drops from the vets , his left eye is the blind one , hopefully his right eye will be ok for a few more years as its been caught in time to try and treat , hel shortly be having his left eye removed .... so sad x

[rsvp]

Know it's sad but it's not the end of the world and you can make a good quality of life for him. Just prepare for the future - lucky Mac to have you to care and worry for him. He'll be fine - honestly!!! xxxx

[lankeela]

My breed (Heelers) can suffer from a condition called PLL (Primary Lens Luxation) and Glaucoma can be a secondary condition caused by PLL. Fortunately we now have a DNA test so dogs can be tested before mating to ensure they are not going to produce it. Sadly not all owners are getting the test done. Border Collies also suffer from Glaucoma, and they can be tested and a list is maintained by the BC people so people can check. I know lots of dogs who have had eyes removed and they have usually adapted well, some you would not know they were blind. A good reason for people to ensure that the pups they buy are from health tested parents (even if they are crossbreeds).