My name is Linda and I am a mommy to a male and female Yorkie (brother and sister). They will be 10 years old in January. They both have heart murmurs and the female has been on heart medicine for about 1 year. The male (Max) is pretty close to starting the heart medicine. I have them on an insurance plan that I pay for monthly and with their ailments several times a month, it helps somewhat. I am so sick right now. Max has a cataract on one eye (been there for about 6 months) and now within the last week has developed another one on the other eye. I have cried and cried because the surgery is not cheap and I have no funds to have the surgery done. He is almost blind now. And, he is so pitiful. He is running into everything, he's afraid to go outside and potty and he has to be led to his food and water bowl. He was a firecracker even with one cataract, but now all he does is lay on the floor or couch. I am crying just writing to you. He was so full of life and now he is lifeless. Can you please direct me to someone who might do the surgery even on one eye at a low cost? My husband is disabled and I take care of my mentally challenged and physically disabled sister who is in a wheelchair. I have taken care of her for more than 30 years now. I work but it takes everything I make along with two very minimal SS checks that my spouse and sister receive to even break even. I will do whatever you suggest I do. I will walk to the end of the earth if I could to find help for Max. I never had children and I have always had small dogs, Yorkies and Poms. Wondering how I could afford 2 Yorkies? My neighbor 10 years ago sold Max to me for almost nothing and 2 days later begged me to take the female because he had to get rid of them. I think he may have known both of them were not healthy then. That's beside the point, I love them more than life and I promise to do whatever it takes to get Max help.

Originally Posted by dottiesyrky (Post 4086691) So sorry to hear about poor Max's cataracts. It must be do sad to see him bumping into things or lying around. It is an expensive surgery I know, but I wonder why your insurance does not cover it? If not is there a local rescue who might help you with the cost? Praying you can find a solution and that your baby can get his sight back.

Originally Posted by gemy (Post 4086905) http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/eme...vet-bills.html This is a link to an article posted here in our library about some of the organizations that offer help for vet expenses. I hope that you are able to find financial relief for your beloved Max.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 4086912) I'm so sorry you are going through this. I agree with dottiesyrky the insurance should pay for a large part of this. Does Max have any of the symptoms of diabetes, for example, drinking lots of water? Diabetes can cause cataracts, and it would be important to diagnose and treat before it causes other things. Just wanted to tell you that I’ve read that other dogs do fairly well with little or no eyesight, their other senses take over. It’s probably best to not move things around and don’t have much clutter in the house. Sending prayers for you and your family.

Originally Posted by dottiesyrky (Post 4086928) When my dog had cataract surgery ( he was only just over a year, no diabetes, genetic) the insurance paid with no problem. I did the surgery as the dog was so young and the cataract immature. I agree that often diabetes results in cataracts, but it just could be age or genetics. As your baby is ten years old the eye vet may not wish to put you and your dog through this procedure however. I, like Nancy have heard that dogs learn to live with little sight when they get used to it. I do feel for you and pray that you are able to get the right treatment for Max. Can you get a consult with the eye specialist and see what treatment he suggests, and then you will have a better idea of the costs?

Originally Posted by Austins mommy (Post 4087580) My almost 12 yo chi has had cataracts for a while now. She can see shadows during the day so maybe 80% blind, but at night it is much worse. I try to leave lights on for her and when she goes potty at night, I use a powerful flashlight (even though I have lights on in the yard). She gets by reasonably well, has had a few close call with walls/furniture but manages to miss most stuff. The surgery is out of the question for us. Just too expensive, no pet insurance. I do feel bad for her, but I also have heard the stories of how well animals can adapt. Hope this makes you feel a little better.