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Glaucoma and enucleation - need advice

Published on: May 13, 2022 • By: wilkie · In Forum: Dogs
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wilkie
Participant
May 13, 2022 at 12:16am
Hi everyone, I’m coming here looking for advice regarding my dog condition. My dog is a neutered male, mixed breed, 10 years old. Around a week ago, my dog started elevating his third eye lid in both eyes and refusing to open the eyes. We made a vet appointment but we had to wait due to lack of availability. Last Sunday, my dog condition worsen (he was lethargic and refused to eat) and we rushed him to the ER. There was an ophthalmologist on call, they sedated him and did several tests. One of his eyes was diagnosed with glaucoma (IOP of 60) and anterior lens luxation, and cataract. The ophthalmologist couldn’t tell whether the glaucoma was primary or secondary to the lens luxation. My dog was given the following: -Dorzolamide/timolol eye drops , 4 times a day -Neopoly-dexamethasone eye drops, 3 times a day -Carprofen 100mg tablets, half a tablet twice a day -Gabapentin 300mg capsules, 1 every 12 hours. We had a follow up consultation yesterday and his eye pressure did not improve. The ophthalmologist suggested enucleation. Are there any other alternatives for my dog? The ophthalmologist doesn’t seem keen on trying other alternatives because apparently my dog’s eye is not visual anymore. All this happened so fast and before this event he was a happy boy with beautiful eyes. I am adding a picture of his eye for further reference. I really appreciate your help.wilkie
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Liz Buchanan BVSc MRCVS
Keymaster
May 13, 2022 at 10:46am
Hello! - and with respect, I don't think you do need my veterinary medical advice.  It sounds as though you have specialist advice from a veterinary opthalmologist, who will have studied cataracts very hard to earn that title and furthermore, has actually examined your dog.  They are therefore infinitely more qualified in every possible way than myself to tell you what the realistic outcomes are for your pet and to give their recommendation.  It is likely that you can have confidence in them.   MORE COMING
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Liz Buchanan BVSc MRCVS
Keymaster
May 13, 2022 at 10:52am
However, what I am perhaps qualified to mention to you is grief; it is extremely hard to take when your dog is, with little notice, about to lose their eye and have permanent changes to their looks.   There is a stage of grief, before acceptance, where we look for other options - for ways for what we are facing not to be true.  We call this the 'bargaining phase' and I think that this is what prompted you to ask my advice, a small animal general practitioner vet of 10 years experience and a veterinary writer, who by definition knows less about this topic than your specialist.  I think that part of you is hoping that I'll say 'no - it isn't true - we can save your dogs' sight.'. But I'm afraid that I cannot say that.
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Liz Buchanan BVSc MRCVS
Keymaster
May 13, 2022 at 10:55am
However, I did write an article for the blog some time ago, called something along the lines of 'What happens when a vet removes an eye from a dog?'.   I would fully reccommend that you take a look at the article as it may be what you need to read. Either way, I hope that I have, somehow, managed to help.
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