Rocky's Going More Blind

[Courtney]

Well to make a LONG LONG story short Rocky (One of my jack russell’s) is missing one eye it had to be removed. She has to have three different kind of drop in her eyes 9 times a day. We are doing everything possible to keep that one eye going. But I have noticed she is bumping into things more and more and I will be over in say the kitchen and she will want a treat and barks but she will be baking at the fridge or something. She will also think Im in spots when Im not in that spot. It’s going down hill and that’s my fear. We have an appointment with the specialist in two weeks. (4 hours away every 3 months she goes), long trip but I would do anything for her. Im just really sad it’s declining and my fear is she will have to get her other eye removed. She still does see some thing which is good but not very well. However, she is such a happy energetic dog with everything she has been threw. She is very happy, even blind. I love her so much it totally breaks my heart watching her go blind even though it does not seem to bother her. She does not deserve this and I wish I could explain to her what's going on, but I think it bothers her more then me.

One of our road trips

[chinclub]

I'm so sorry, but animals are very good at adapting.  I saw a show once on how to help a dog cope with blindness. They suggested placing a strongly scented candle of a different scent in each room. (Never light the candles)  This way your pet will know which room she is in by what candle she smells.  The house had a few steps inside and hardwood floors.  She had them place small rugs at the top of each set of stairs so the dog could feel the rug and associate the step down.  Of course she suggested never to move around the furniture and be careful about where you set your things so you don't place an item in her set walking path. 

[kneesaa]

we have the same thing with our American Eskimo Patchy. He was kicked in the head by a moose about 10 years ago and has lost most of his sight in his right eye and now he maybe going blind in the other eye. As long as we talk to him when he is trying to get around he does OK, so far. Good luck with your dog, I think he will adapt better than you. I know how hard it is to watch them lose their sight.  Good Luck, Shannon Seager

[Debbie.nl.ca]

Aww how sad, I know you must feel worse than he does.
Hugs for Rocky

[Courtney]

I'm so sorry, but animals are very good at adapting.  I saw a show once on how to help a dog cope with blindness. They suggested placing a strongly scented candle of a different scent in each room. (Never light the candles)  This way your pet will know which room she is in by what candle she smells.  The house had a few steps inside and hardwood floors.  She had them place small rugs at the top of each set of stairs so the dog could feel the rug and associate the step down.  Of course she suggested never to move around the furniture and be careful about where you set your things so you don't place an item in her set walking path. 

That is an excellent idea, Im going to do that. I keep things nice and tidy so she has a clear path in the house, that's what they need. But the candle idea is great. I also use my voice a lot, if she is wandering trying to find me I alsways use my voice. She tries to find me but can't sometimes so I tell her where I am.

we have the same thing with our American Eskimo Patchy. He was kicked in the head by a moose  about 10 years ago and has lost most of his sight in his right eye and now he maybe going blind in the other eye. As long as we talk to him when he is trying to get around he does OK, so far. Good luck with your dog, I think he will adapt better than you. I know how hard it is to watch them lose their sight.  Good Luck, Shannon

Oh no, a moose, that is bizzare and terrible, sorry to hear that. Thanks for your input, it really does help. I do use my voice A LOT! I just wish I could do more but she is ajdusting just fine.