Reece :(

[wolfsoul]

That lady was a total moron. That wasn't nice of her at all.

Don't worry. Cataracts aren't really a big deal; they certainly can't cause death. They can, however, cause blindess, but there are certain surgeries to get rid of cataracts.

Leather has had cataracts since she was about 8. They don't look very nice, but she doesn't seem to be having any problems with them.

[aly]

My mom and one of my friends are coming with me to Reece's appointment. I am really happy because my mom said she would help me pay for surgery if Reece needs it. Did I mention I LOVE MY MOM? I was really worried about the money part, but feel better now.

My friend just got laid off her job and said she'll be home a lot and can babysit Reecie if he needs it

Skylar is doing much better today.

Now I'm trying to nurse Piper. She's acting really weak and wobbly. I got her some Nutrical and Pedialyte and some more Esbilac to put her back on the bottle. Poor girl. Her big, fat, mean brother keeps beating her up too.

[captain]

Aly,

You do so much, ......... stupid woman at the park is a MORON!!!

Let us know what the vet says.

My Aunt had a dog that lost his sight at 5 years and lived til 12!!!!! He was quite able, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! He did occasionally knock into things, but he was still able to do things. Such a great dog.

[KYS]

Geesh! that lady who spoke to you was not to bright.

My neighbor's senior fox terrier had cataracts in both eyes
for many years.
Eventually it progress, to the point that Dutches
started walking very slow because she was unsure.
Dutches was taken to a specialist,
and was a candidate for cataract surgery.
First one eye, and later on the other.
Dutches acted like a young dog again.
Good for your mom, for helping you pay for the surgery.

[micki76]

Originally posted by aly
My mom and one of my friends are coming with me to Reece's appointment. I am really happy because my mom said she would help me pay for surgery if Reece needs it. Did I mention I LOVE MY MOM? I was really worried about the money part, but feel better now.

My friend just got laid off her job and said she'll be home a lot and can babysit Reecie if he needs it

Skylar is doing much better today.

Now I'm trying to nurse Piper. She's acting really weak and wobbly. I got her some Nutrical and Pedialyte and some more Esbilac to put her back on the bottle. Poor girl. Her big, fat, mean brother keeps beating her up too.

I'm kinda fond of your mom now, too! How's the Piper doing?

[aly]

Piper is acting a bit stronger and VERY happy to be back on a bottle. Sebastian was NOT happy to see me on the couch giving her a bottle, so I had to make him one too. After he ate, he spit up a few times, but I think he just drank too fast (he attacked the bottle!). I will probably have Piper longer than 8 weeks because she won't weigh near enough to spay yet.

Reece is doing good today and had a pretty happy day, despite me dragging him out in the rain to potty... the horror!

[shais_mom]

I have a feeling that ladies dog had other problems then cataracts. That just doesn't make any sense.
Poor you and Poor Reece.
you will be in my thought and prayers

[Pam]

I have to echo what everyone else has said. That lady was a total moron not to mention just plain mean. I work for an ophthalmologist and believe it or not most of us will develop cataracts if we live long enough. For those of us who are bothered by them enough that they hamper our daily activities, cataract surgery can be done and it's very routine and very safe.

My toy poodle, Pumpkin, who left for the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 17, had cataracts and wasn't bothered much by them at all. His real problems started when he went deaf and developed bladder control problems. I have a friend who opted for cataract surgery for her dog and it went very well, although it is very expensive. I guess this makes a good argument for getting some pet insurance although I don't have it either.

[lbaker]

Aly, my little Collar[flower] has only had vision in one eye since she was born. She can run and play with the pack just fine. Sometimes when we are playing catch the other dogs will let her get the ball (when I throw it right at her) even though they could easily get it themselves. Her mom, CheekyBitch, has now gone almost totally deaf. That's bad for a border collie but she too has adapted quite well and is as happy as ever. They adapt better than we do sometimes. Stay strong.
L

[Sudilar]

Oh poor Reece! There is nothing about Cataracts that would cause premature death! My Great Pyr had a degenerative eye problem in her last years, not cataracts, that was not operable. She got along just fine. You'd never know her vision was impaired.

Don't listen to that lady. There had to be more wrong with the dog than just cataracts.

[ramanth]

When is Reece's appointment?

I hope he, Skylar, and Piper are feeling better.

[mruffruff]

The woman at the park was way off base!

My dog, Bear, had cataracts due to diabetes. I was naive enough to think I could wait to take him to an opthamologist. When I finally did, it was too late.

While Bear's cataracts were inoperable, many dogs have theirs removed with wonderful results. There are several stories of both successes and failures on the message boards of Blinddogs@ezboard and the canine diabetes board. You might want to read some of the posts just to see what is involved.

Bear ultimately developed uveitis and then glaucoma. After a lot of meds and money, he had both eyes removed. He does very well getting around and bossing the other dogs.

I'm glad your Mom is there for you. It does get expensive, but Reece is worth it.

Mary