Cataracts and going blind?
 

Reminder: Gabby is basically a rescue dog whom I was told was younger than she is (8years old), and was in perfect health other than flea allergy. Within an hour of getting her, I discovered a cataract in one of her eyes. It was huge...then it was gone....then tiny...you get the idea . Well that cataract is mostly large all the time now. When I took her to the vet, he informed me that she had a cataract in both eyes and he didn't believe the drops would do any good. That was a month ago. In the past month, the second cataract (that was not easily seen) has become huge. Without a doubt, she has started having vision problems but she doesn't let that stop her when she's inside. She's all over the house. She is however a bit leary of going outside now as opposed to a few weeks ago.

I know about the surgery and I know I cannot afford it now. And I KNOW that this does not mean I don't love Gabby and it doesn't mean I'm a bad mama! So for anyone who can help, what can I expect now? I don't know what to think with the 2nd cataract appearing and growing so quickly. She has a vet appointment next month, but I was hoping for some thoughts from real Yorkie owners who've dealt with this.

Gabby is my baby. I want to do everything within my power to take care of her.

I am so sorry for Gabby and you, and I understand financial constraints. However, cataracts must be treated. From WebMD:

Blindness is not the only risk. Glaucoma, which is very painful and can lead to loss of the eyes, is a very real concern. Gabby really needs to see an ophthalmologist. An exam is under $200. The specialist is equipped to best tell you what Gabby's options are.

Cataract
 

I am sorry that your baby has cataracts, it is a shock to get that news. I had the same experience and six months after adopting a 1.5 year old healthy dog, my little boy was diagnosed with a full cataract in one eye and a very small one in the other. As mentioned below, the diagnosis demands that the surgery be done or nasty consequences are predicted. As my dog was young, I decided to do the bad eye. The recovery involves much time and medical care, with eye drops and oral meds for some time. It is a year now since the surgery and his eye is fine, but needs follow up visits with a specialist to keep a check for glaucoma. He still has eye drops every other day. The cost is over $3,500 to date for one eye. I hope and pray the other one does not need surgery.
I know you love yor baby, but if finance is difficult, would you consider a rescue group who could pay for the surgery? Certainly your dog would need ongoing medical care with this condition, whether or not you took the surgery option.
I do feel for you and your situation, and pray that the diagnosis for your baby will be more optimistic after seeing the specialist. I can only give my limited experience with one dog, and do not know what the prognosis and treatment will be for yours. Good luck, and if you want any more details I would be happy to give them. Please let us know what the vet finds and how you and your baby are doing.

Poor Gabby and you! Have you applied for Care Credit? I'm Canadian and that option is not available here...You are in the US? Not sure of the link, there is postings about it on here, perhaps that would be an option to help with the costs.

Here is the link. You can apply online:

CareCredit Healthcare Finance - Payment Plans and Financing for Cosmetic Surgery, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Veterinary & Other Medical Procedures

Nikki my very senior rescue has gone blind in both eyes from cataracts. He is guesstimated to be 19 years old. He also has kidney failure and surgery was not an option. At first he only had a cataract in the right eye and got around pretty good in well lit areas. Then all of a sudden a few months ago he started bumping into things and I took him in to the vet and he is totally blind. He was getting around ok at first but because he is so old he gets confused so that complicates his getting around. My vet said they can do pretty good with total blindness. Nikki is now having a difficult time getting to the pee pad and water bowls. I take him there every few hours and he pees and gets a drink. If I go out I come home sometimes to find him lost and just standing in place staring. But again I think this is due to his confused state. He is not in any pain and sleeps most of the time so I feel he still has some quality of life. Hopefully Gabby will adjust to her blindness and get around ok.

Nikki
 

How very sad for your sweet Nikki. At 19 he is incredible! Having gone blind and with kidney disease too but still doing well and enjoying life. You are a great Mom to take care of him so well. Thank God there are angels like you to take in needy babies like this and give them a happy life.
We pray that Gabby will have a good outcome and do well as your little Nikki is.