Sugar Princess and growing old.

[Ice Lady]

Sugar Princess is my 14.5 yr old Lhasa Apso, not a Yorkie but an important member of our little family. She had some health issues as a puppy but out grew them. She has been remarkably healthy for the last 13 years. Over the past winter she has developed cataracts in both her eyes and in general is showing her age. She has slowed down dramatically as well and is becoming extremely demanding. This is the first senior fur kid I have had and I really don't know what to watch for and push the panic button on and what is just normal aging. I don't want to run to the vet for no reason, partly because the vet will quit taking my concerns seriously and party because it is very costly. I have talked to the vet about what to expect and he says she is just fine and very advanced in years. I have been given to understand that Lhasas have an average life expectancy of 23 years and more is not uncommon. Have any of you any thoughts or experience with our beloved seniors?

[Miao]

If she has an estimated 10 years of her life expectancy to share with you still, it might do wonders to have her cataracts operated on and removed if it's not too late. If not, as long as you don't move things around too much, it wouldn't be so bad either.

Lots of love, a healthy diet, and keep her regularly exercised... all that will do wonders in keeping both of you happy for the years you have left to spend together.

[Ice Lady]

Originally Posted by Miao

If she has an estimated 10 years of her life expectancy to share with you still, it might do wonders to have her cataracts operated on and removed if it's not too late. If not, as long as you don't move things around too much, it wouldn't be so bad either.

Lots of love, a healthy diet, and keep her regularly exercised... all that will do wonders in keeping both of you happy for the years you have left to spend together.

Sugar Princess is in a very stable indoor environment. When we are outdoors she is ALWAYS on a leash. She has become very clingy. So far our vet has not recommended cataract surgery for her. He doesn't feel the benefits warrant the risk of the anesthetic. I go to the same clinic all the time but it seems that I never get the same vet. We will see what is recommended by yet another vet at her next check up.

Loving her is no problem. She is my little heart girl. She is getting one of the best commercial foods that I can get readily at this time. If circumstances were different I would do the home cooked thing for her.

Thank you for your input.