Lucy's behavior this week has been upsetting. She has intense fear. She won’t walk, eat, drink or go to the bathroom without extensive encouragement. I took this video to show our vet at our upcoming vet visit. If you look closely, you can see her shaking, probably from fear. Shortly after taking this video, I figured out what's wrong. Lucy has gone totally blind. We rushed her back to the Eye surgeon. She has a melting ulcer in both eyes now. She has, emotionally, reacted poorly-like we all would, I suppose. We are treating both eyes, giving her the best of care. During this time we also determined that she has very low hearing and does not respond to verbal cues. We are devestated, and expect her blindness to be permanent.
4 Comments
Donna Horbal
10/30/2015 06:17:11 am
So sorry for you and Lucy. I have had four senior dogs that have gone blind, and three of them were also deaf. Dogs, like people, all handle it differently. But one thing that is not different is the adjustment time it takes...for the animal and the family. You will find yourself rethinking your day and schedule, to facilitate life for your blind dog. She will probably begin to depend on Molly to be her eyes. She was already doing that when she stayed with us for the four initial days, with RAL. Also, sun feels lovely to them, but hurts their eyes. Doggles, if she will tolerate them, help them better enjoy their sunny days and a halo might give her more confidence as she learns to maneuver. There is a blind dogs discussion list, from which you can glean lots of helpful information and advice (yahoo). Best of luck! The girls are blessed to have such a patient and dedicated family.
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10/31/2015 05:17:42 am
I admire you more than you know, as you have brought us along with you on your journey with Lucy. We know that you are doing the best for her, out of love ... this comes through in every word and photo that you share.
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Kerry Robinson
10/31/2015 06:49:34 am
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that things are not improving at all, but in fact, are getting worse. The blindness is horrible, but if she is losing her hearing and can't be comforted by your voice, this has got to be so frightening for her and devastating to you and Ray. Thanks so much for continuing to update the blog since I think about Lucy every day.
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Molly and Lucy's Mom
10/31/2015 09:47:11 am
Thanks, everyone.
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