I had a doctor’s appointment in Abilene today so we dropped Rita off at the vet on our way. They trimmed her nails and checked her eye pressure. I knew the results were not going to be good. For seven months I’ve felt like I was doing good with the drops but I knew this vet visit was going to bring bad news. She’s been keeping the right eye closed, or partially closed. The pressure in her eyes should be between 10 and 20. The right eye, which I’ve had trouble with because without drops, it goes too high but with drops, it goes too low. The vet has taught me to watch her pupil and when it’s a certain size, I need to use the drops. That has worked well until the last few weeks. Today her pressure was 4, the lowest it has ever been. The vet says it’s extremely painful when it gets too low or too high. The left eye, has been cloudy and I knew it wasn’t responding well to the drops. The pressure was 35. That eye is starting to bulge, which happens with glaucoma. We don’t have a lot of options. We knew we would get to this point . . but that doesn’t make it any easier.
The vet feels it’s time to remove the eyes. Queue the tears! I sat there bawling like a baby. She felt bad because she felt like she could have said things differently and kept apologizing. I’m not sure how gently you can say “remove your dog’s eyes” . . no matter how you say it, there will be tears. Vince was ready to schedule the surgery. I need more time. I want to try another month of drops and see if I can get better results. I don’t know how or what I can do differently but I have to know I’ve done all I can do.
On the way home, Vince was trying to comfort me. I only cried while the vet was talking to us . . it’s not like I cried all day . . unless you count when I was telling my friend or now that I’m trying to write this blog post! He said “She’s already blind. Her eyes are useless and they’re causing her pain. Once they’re removed, she won’t see any more or any less than she does now but she won’t be in pain.” I understand that . . but it doesn’t make it any easier. Vince said “Think back when Chad had his tonsils out. You were a bit nervous about it but it had to be done and you knew he would be in pain for a few days but it was the best thing to do.” Yes, but Chad had his tonsils out right after the Joplin tornado and we had to reschedule it because of the tornado and because one hospital was destroyed and Vince had already moved to Texas and I was moving shortly and trying to get the tonsils out before I left town . . I didn’t have a whole lot of time to think about it and had a million things on my mind. And besides, that was 7 years ago and I cannot remember that far back!
Rita
She’s so sweet and that makes it harder . . I guess. The vet was saying how sweet and joyful she is. She gets excited with everyone who handles her and loves them all . . never snippy, never standoffish . . always a happy girl. Look at her little paws on Vince’s coffee cup! She’s already liked the rim clean . . good thing he was done with his coffee.
Rita
Darned eyes! Why can’t they just be right?
Cilla Tyler says
My heart goes out to you. I had to remove Little Latte’s eyes when she was 6 years old as the glaucoma was just so very painful for her. She did so very well after surgery. You will do what is best for Rita. You are both great dog parents.
Barb Mikrut says
I feel for you. We have a Bichon who is 14years old and he is mostly blind. I think he sees a little shadow. I don’t have the heart to do anything about his eyes. I have thought about putting him to sleep but I can’t. He is the best dog. The sweetest little guy. We love him so much. He is like our child. I know the Lord will help you make the right decision. Hugs. Barb M
Sherry Moran says
Sweet baby. You don’t want her to hurt, but, I understand. Hugs to All.
erin says
My heart goes out to you and Vince. Tough decision. I am glad both of you were together to receive that news. It’s been a rough few weeks Judy. Take the month like you said when your ready … you will know. Big hugs.
Dottie says
Big hugs for y’all and sweet Rita….
Joyce in Oregon says
Judy, I’m so sorry you guys are going through this. Hugs to you all.
Elaine says
I’m so sorry this has happened to Rita. Be strong knowing that others are thinking of you. Hugs!
Kathy in California says
Judy I really feel for you. Several years ago my beloved cat had big problems with his teeth. We could tell he was in pain and the vet told us that his teeth were essentially rotting in his mouth. She said we should have his teeth removed. The thought of it was devastating to me. How could he function without teeth! But he was suffering so we went ahead and had it done. I just felt sick every time I thought about it. After the surgery we brought him home and within a day he was a like a new cat. He was clearly much happier not to be in pain – even though there still had to be some residual pain from the surgery. He was playing and happy again. He was able to keep his canines and the tiny teeth at the very front of his mouth. We just fed him canned food that didn’t have chunks and he was just fine. Rita has overcome a lot and I bet she’ll be just fine with this too, and in fact will be even an even happier pup than she is now. Hang in there – and keep us posted – I think we all feel like she’s our pet too! 🙂
Lynne says
I am crying with you, it’s harder with animals as you can’t explain things or ask them what they would like
Jackie says
So sorry to hear you guys have to go through this. Hugs to you all.
Nelle Coursey says
At least the choice is not euthanasia! That is one choice I do not want to make. Vince is right this time. Her quality of life right now is not good. After the surgery, it should be so much better, No pain (after the surgery wears off) and she will be able to be a loving baby for years to come. Bless her heart. I guess there are a lot worse things that could happen. It is just too close to losing Speck. Praying for you!
Twyla says
So sorry for all of you. They are like a family member. We have Mavis, a rescue very special dog. Never thought we would be the lap dog people we have become. Rita has that precious look. Good luck.