Yorkie going blind

[Cheryl]

I have two yorkies, and both are going blind! We have gone to a specialists and it seems that my 8 yr old is not a good candidate for the eye surgery! We are so disappointed! The doctor wants to keep her on the prednisolone acetate forever I guess, and I am worried about that! I started my older dog on Nu-Eyes, and I am hoping it will work! What is your thought on the Prednisolone long term? Thanks!

[lillymae]

What is the vet saying is the cause of the blindness ?

[Micah my love]

So sorry to hear this hugs to all of you

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by lillymae

What is the vet saying is the cause of the blindness ?

It is the forming of cataracts on their eyes, and that is why I feel I must try whatever I can, since surgery is out of the question! I have one rescued yorkie, and one that has papers! I feel that 8 yrs. old is too young to have this condition! Do you know of anyone that has tried the Nu-Eyes drops?

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Cheryl

It is the forming of cataracts on their eyes, and that is why I feel I must try whatever I can, since surgery is out of the question! I have one rescued yorkie, and one that has papers! I feel that 8 yrs. old is too young to have this condition! Do you know of anyone that has tried the Nu-Eyes drops?

I have a friend who tried the drops and they did not stop the progression but she started her pup on them late in the game.

The opthamologist I take my pups to has not recommended these drops, but I have also not asked his opinion. Next time I go, I am going to ask him about them. I am glad you posted this as it is a good reminder!

I will also be interested in hearing what you think of them.

Eight does seem a bit young, but if only beginning cataracts, I suppose not. Many pups are being diagnosed with PRA at that age. I have one here...the opthamologist told me he seems to be seeing more yorkies with it now.
My George who is about 12 is now totally blind from cataracts...I had him evaluated some time back for surgery and he also was also not a candidate.

[ladyjane]

Have you had them evaluated by Gulf Coast Eye? Drs. Swanson and Hermann are excellent opthamologists!

[Yorkiedaze]

What form of cataract is it? My Papillon had cataract in both eyes and totally blind when I got her and we had her operated on and now she sees like she did before she went blind.
You could call and talk to Dr. da Silva Curiel and ask her some questions about this type of cataract. She's wonderful and did Spicy's operation.
Animal Eye Clinic

[ladyjane]

There is more to it than just the type. In my George's case, they found that his drainage system in his eyes is already compromised and that if they operated on the cataracts, he might end up with glaucoma.

[mscat]

I am very sorry that both yorkie's are having serious eye problems. 8 yrs olf does seem young to experience going blind. hopefully a eye specialist can help save them from complete blindness.

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Have you had them evaluated by Gulf Coast Eye? Drs. Swanson and Hermann are excellent opthamologists!

They are the doctors that I used! They were surprised to know that my little one went almost completely blind like over night! That is why is was so heart breaking! I had one blind yorkie, but I could see the cateracts growing, but with my 8 year old I never saw anything in her eyes! She is not a good canidate or we would have considered the surgery for sure! I will keep everyone informed about the drops for sure! Hoping, Hoping and hoping that they will get better with the drops!

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

There is more to it than just the type. In my George's case, they found that his drainage system in his eyes is already compromised and that if they operated on the cataracts, he might end up with glaucoma.

This is exactly the case with my little Yorkie, and I had gotten 2 opinions!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Cheryl

This is exactly the case with my little Yorkie, and I had gotten 2 opinions!

They are excellent vets! Your babies will learn to deal with being blind. I know you hate seeing it, but it is not the worst thing they could have. It depresses me at times, but both of my pups are happy boys.