Cujo returns

 It is my understanding that glaucoma is very painful.  Has Cujo seen an eye specialist?  If not, I would be making an immediate appointment.  My Java had one eye removed, and it really was no big deal for her.  And the relief I felt from not having to worry about her constantly was worth it.  It really doesn't look as bad as you might think... 

He seen a specialist 5 years ago when he went blind over night. He told me then then there was nothing that could correct it and to take him home and spoil him.. So I have.. Not worried about his looks. I can always just let his hair grow a bit longer on his face.. He has been though a lot in 7 years, I worry about the recovery period .. I heard that was pretty rough.. and noone i know has done both... Just hate to put Him Though it if it isn't necessary.

Btw the closest specialist is 200 miles away and very expensive. Removal of the eyes ,my vet can do. I just need to figure out if he is in pain.. Maybe the blindness damaged the nerves because he has scratched the cornea twice over the years and if never had pain. No reaction either when I put drops in.

 You might find this link very helpful.  It has some helpful info in detecting pain in animals.

http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/glaucoma.htm

I really think if you might need an expert opinion as to whether to remove the eyes.  Is there a Vet School any where which would be fairly convenient?  I took Java to UGA, which was a 2 1/2 hr drive each way, but the cost of the visit and medications was very reasonable, as opposed to a 2 hr drive to a specialist in Atlanta.  

I don't have any first-hand experience with canine eye problems, so I can't offer any advice.  But there's a forum member who posts sometimes who had a dog who had both her eyes removed.  I think her username is "DaisyPrincess" --- her dog who had the eye surgery was named Daisy.  She recently passed away -- she was 17 or 18, I think?  Anyway, she seemed to do well after her surgery which was a few years ago, as I recall.  You may want to use the search feature and see if you can find her to send an instant message.

Best wishes to your pup!

Thanks both of you that answered. Both very helpful. After studying and seeing him on the pain meds I realize he must be in pain. That article you pointed me to states it's like a constant migraine.. I will be scheduling the surgery.

Hi Julie!! **waving hard** -- Gosh I've missed you!!

Yes, schedule the surgery. Any time a dog (or human) has cataracts .... even long after they are removed .... there is **always** the risk of glaucoma. And of the eyes actually rupturing.

Charlie had "hypermature" cataracts when we adopted him -- the surgery was not cheap, and honestly the after care was a nightmare for a while. He was on like 8 eye meds that all had to be taken 3-4 times a DAY -- all like 10 minutes apart. Do the math on that -- we were doing eye stuff around the clock for a while. Never saw such a procedure so WORK intensive. A full year after the surgery Charlie still has to take pressure drops *and* an ointment to help reduce edema in the eye. But he sees!

Since Cujo went suddenly blind I'd doubt highly the sight can be restored -- was it like PRA?? But honestly someone should have told you about the glaucoma risk before this -- Charlie will have to have semi-annual eye-vet visits for the rest of his life. He will likely have to be on pressure drops forever (and Walgreens has an awesome pet card now (it costs $20 for the year and you get ANY med for a pet for $15). That card saved our bacon this year because the Timoval is like $50-$60 a bottle -- even the pred is over $15

just go ahead and get his teeth cleaned at the same time and it will make it "count" and do all the good it can. The extreme risk of glaucoma is huge -- not only the pain but the potential for the eye to rupture is just ... awful.

I suspect Cujo will be like a new dog after -- it's so hard sometimes to know the pain they are in. Years ago we waffled about having Muffin's ear ablations done -- and we discovered **after** that he'd been in quite incredible pain ever since we had him and we **never** knew. But he was like a 8 year old puppy after surgery!! It was obvious he felt better.

Sorry something like this brought you back, but gosh I'm glad to see you!! Welcome and *hugs*

Thanks Callie.. Great idea about the teeth cleaning. He had detached retinas. He went blind one month to the day after we lost Rich. i was a real mess. He woke up blind. though they suspect he was having vision roblems before that i hadnt noticed. that may be true under the circumstance The specialist I seen blamed it on poor breeding. I know all his siblings and he is the only one with health problems. I ov course still think I have the best one :)

His surgery is scheduled for the 11th . I got him a soft cone and am putting it on a little bit each day so he can be a little use to it afterwards when he needs it. When I first put it on him he froze and would not move. Now he will take treats with it on and he lays down and relaxes.