Glaucoma and your dog

This isn’t an easy post to write. We pride ourselves on being not just good, but involved, devoted, educated, aware dog owners, so having a young – three years old – dog show up with aggressive glaucoma in one eye over Christmas was devastating. The other eye has been checked and also has primary (genetic) glaucoma and its untreated pressure did touch on the lower end of the glaucoma/ eye pressure range.

After spending a month in survival mode – for the humans, not the eye… we lost that fight probably before we even knew we were at war – it was time to educate ourselves on canine glaucoma so we are fully equipped to face the almost inevitable day when the remaining eye also spikes into that dangerous, damaging pressure range. Now that we know the basics, it’s time to pass them along, and hopefully help someone else spot the warning signs faster, and in time to save both eyes. (Photo taken 12-26-10)

I have to pause here to be sure everyone knows we have the best vets – not just in my opinion, but according to the AAHA’s accreditation – around, and Sissy – our one eyed-girl – has very regular visits for her allergies. We didn’t miss anything; primary glaucoma is just that hard-hitting. In fact, we’re very lucky that our veterinary practice has specialized eye care equipment and the vet we saw on December 27th trusted her hunch and checked those eye pressures.

While our eye surgeon is working on an article to share with any of our doggie friends who want to publish a little something on their blogs, in their rescue or breed groups’ newsletters, etc., I’ve cobbled together a little something on what to look for. I must stress that early intervention is critical, so if you see ANY of these signs, please don’t delay and call the vet right away.

Rubbing the eyes
Redness in the whites of the eyes
Any deformity of the eye (an advanced symptom)
Cloudiness of the eye (also advanced)
Excessive blinking and/or tearing
Bumping into things or suddenly refusing to jump up or down off of familiar spots (also advanced)

You can see why we didn’t rush to the vet when these symptoms appeared in our allergic to the world girl on Christmas Eve. (There was no deformity or cloudiness until January 1, after treatment had begun.) If you have a dog with allergies, I’d still recommend talking to your vet about glaucoma and general eye health, because I haven’t touched on – and am not well-versed on – secondary glaucoma, which is caused by something other than bad genes, such as trauma or untreated eye conditions.



Sissy has given me permission to share all photos within this post, some of which have not been posted in blogland before, because she really does want to help other dogs avoid the serious pain glaucoma causes, along with the torture of lifelong eye drops daily, not to mention the sad surgery… I haven’t sited sources, but if you want or need more information, I can share my saved favorites upon request.

Puppy Pics

 A couple lucky puppies got kids for Christmas.

Actually, both these pups came into their new families before Christmas. Giving live animals as Christmas presents can cause lots of problems. These two lively characters were chosen by their new families and had been in their new homes to get adjusted well before the holidays.

Say hello to LaLa.

She joins the canine family of Gracie and Gabby, but best of all she now has her very own little girl to love.

LaLa is one very lucky little pup.

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Another lucky pup is Rascal. He had a big wish come true.

Rascal was a stray. He was living in a shelter when his new family found him there and decided to make him part of their family. Now he lives with another dog, Bucky.

But rascal got the very best thing a dog could get, his own boy to play with. I predict a very happy life for Rascal.

Congratulations to both pups and their new forever families.

New Year - New Friends

We have some new friends to introduce. These new family additions all arrived before Christmas and were all wanted and chosen by their new families. Giving animals as Christmas gifts is usually not a good idea.

 Meet Skittles.

 She came to liven things up for Sampson and Honeydew, two Bassets who apparently needed a kitten to keep them company and make their days more exciting. Her Mom says she likes to knock things on the floor and blame the dogs.

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Remington.....

and Sirius

These two, Remi and Siri, were adopted by my friend Sue because she saw a mouse in the basement. I don't think either of these boys would know what to do with a mouse, but Sue's been too busy to think about mice since they came into her life.

Siri enjoys stealing the dog's food whenever possible and batting the pieces around the kitchen. Remi thinks it's fun to jump on the drapes and hang there until removed. It makes me think ten dogs are easy.

Are there any other new pups and kittens we should know about? We love posting puppy and kitten pictures.

Rainbow Week - Fourth Day

 

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.....

Bear Bear
 died 8/1/2010 at age 3 years

Bear Bear was playing in a dog park in Maryland when he was shot by a police officer.

 Bear Bear should not have died.

Bugsy
 died 8/18/2010

Bugsy was a stray in Kentucky. He hung around a business where the workers fed him. The workers contacted animal control hoping Bugsy would be placed in a permanent home where he would be safe. The animal control officer arrived and shot Bugsy on site, although several workers offered to pay his fine and adopt him.

 Bugsy should not have died.

Rosie
 died 11/7/2010 at age 2 years

Rosie was a sweet tempered Newfoundland puppy who escaped from her fenced yard in Iowa. Unable to get back inside her yard she wandered around her neighborhood. Police were called to help her. When she saw the police officer approach, she tried to hide in some bushes. He shot her. She was a scared, confused puppy.

 Rosie should not have died.

Boomer
 died 12/19/2010 at age 7 years

                                                No Picture Available


Boomer was a Golden Retriever, a family pet, in a household of a widow and her six children in Georgia. He was in his own front yard behind an underground fence. When a police officer approached him, Boomer barked, exactly what a good dog should do. The police officer shot him in front of his family.

Boomer should not have died.

Target
  died November 2010

Target warned a group of US soldiers in Afghanistan about a suicide bomber. She saved the group. One of the soldiers, Sgt. Terry Young, brought her back to  Arizona with him as a family pet. Boomer escaped her yard on a Friday and was picked up by animal control. Sgt. Young found Target on the shelter's website Friday evening and paid her fine. He mistakenly thought the shelter was closed for the weekend. When he arrived at the shelter on Monday morning to take Target home, he was told that Target had been euthanized. Target saved the lives of US soldiers, but was killed by shelter employees after only a day or two in confinement.

Target should not have died.

Bless the beasts and the children,
For in this world they have no voice.
They have no choice.


Bless the beasts and the children,
For the world can never be
The world they see.


Light their way
When darkness surrounds them.
Give them love,
Let it shine all around them.


Bless the beasts and the children,
Give them shelter from a storm.
Keep them safe,
Keep them warm.
    By DeVorzon and Botkin

Hug your pets and tell them how much you value them. Keep them safe in 2011.

Rainbow Week - Third Day

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.......

Ginger
    ? - 2/2008

Ginger has been at the bridge for two years, but I still miss her.

Digby
   ? - 5/10/2010

Digby lived by the adage " Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin!" There will be laughter and mischief in Heaven tonight.

Dudley Arthur
    8/18/1998 - 7/20/2010
                      

Dudley was very patient and very shy. He didn't like kids, but would tolerate them. He was the sheriff around here, keeping the other dogs in line. He firmly believed that if he couldn't see you, then you couldn't see him. You are loved and missed, little man.

Sulie
  ? - 2010

She started life as a mill dog. She was afraid of lots of things, but she was strong and brave, too. We wish for freedom for all mill dogs.

Tango
   10/2003 - 7/25/2010

Tango and his brother were abandoned as pups. A farmer took them in and caring foster families made room in their homes for them as permanent residents.

Babycakes
1/7/2001 - 7/28/2010

Babycakes was much loved and is missed by many.

Don't grieve for me, now I'm free
I'm following the path laid for me.


I could not stay another day
To laugh, to live, to work, to play.


If parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.


A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.


Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you sunshine of tomorrow.


My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.


Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it with undue grief.


Lift up your heart and share with me,
That I have only been set free.

Author Unknown

Rainbow Week - Second Day

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.......

Mack
          Lord Duncan of McDuff
            1996 - 5/17/2010

Mack was a special friend to his little sister Sally Ann. He taught her how to be a good dog and he did a great job. He always played with her and protected her. She and their Mom miss him, but they know he's still with them in their hearts.

Java
     Spencer's Java Bean
     7/18/1997 - 3/13/2010

We miss him today and every day, but we know he's free of pain and one day we'll see him again. Rest in peace, sweet Java.

Max
Ruffitwood Dancing Spring
  3/12/2000 - 5/24/2010

An overwhelming love I feel,
For this magnificent creature at my heel.
Golden coat, tail held free,
Dark, beautiful eyes, all focused on me.
My companion, my friend, nothing he lacks!
My beautiful dog.......Max.

Spring
2007 - 8/24/2010

Spring has gone to meet her old friends Holly and Wiggles, waiting for her at the Bridge.

Trinket Thomas
1/30/1995 - 6/2/2010

Trinket was my first dog. We adopted him when he was nine weeks old, a bright eyed little black puppy. He grew to be a bouncy teenager, to an intelligent pack leader, to a playful goof ball, to our elderly sweet cuddle bug. Trinket passed away on June 2, 2010 at 15 years old from an enlarged heart. We donated his food, crate and medications to the Humane Society, which inspired our 4 Weeks- Forty Blankets project this summer.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
dear friend and let me run.


Once more a strong and steady dog,
my pain and struggle done.


And don't despair my passing,
for I won't be far away.


Forever here, within your heart,
and memory, I'll stay.


I'll be there watching over you,
your ever faithful friend,


And in your memories I'll run,
a young dog once again.