Sammy had cataract surgery - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

carabell · 05-20-2013, 11:58 AM

Glad sammy is doing better!

Martie · 05-20-2013, 06:11 PM

ok I have a question..... Sam had his surgery on Friday and we brought him home, he is eating and drinking and peeing but has yet had a bowel movement and this is three days... is this normal, should I be concerned? He is still on pain meds so he is sleeping alot and won't walk very much (too tired) tomorrow is the last day for pain meds... we go back to the vet on Friday.... should I call the vet tomorrow if he still has not gone?

dottiesyrky · 05-20-2013, 06:57 PM

It is always better to at least call the vet when you are concerned. The fact that Sammy is eating, drinking and peeing is great. Sometimes pain meds can cause constipation and the vet could put your mind at rest there. I do worry that he is still so tired though, even with the meds. My boy after cataract surgery did not appear tired after a day or so, but it is possible he does not react well to anesthesia and needs more time to get it out if his system.
If it were me I would call the vet tomorrow and see what he says about your concerns. Hope he is adapting to the cone and eye/oral med regimen. Perhaps tomorrow will be a charm and a little poop will appear to ease your worries.

Martie · 05-20-2013, 07:12 PM

thank you the info dottiesyrky..... My sweet husband went to the store and got him some pumpkin and he ate about two teaspoons of it, maybe that will help him. I didn't know they would get constipation. He hate the cone, but is tolerating it. I keep him by my side at all times because if I don't he will try and get it off.... he is too smart for his own good sometimes. He can not see at all at this point but as the days go by I hope he will see much better. I don't know how long it will take for him to get his vision back... he keeps bumping into things at this point.

Martie · 05-20-2013, 07:27 PM

thank you all for your prayers and concern.... lex43 your furbaby is beautiful.... and Cherie6446, we find out on Friday how long he will be with the cone.... 14 to 28 days is the estimate...

dottiesyrky · 05-20-2013, 07:31 PM

You are right, the pumpkin may well get things going. Nice kind husband for going out to get the magic veggie. I suppose the digestive system is so empty prior to surgery that it takes a little while to get working again.
Sorry Sammy still hates the cone, my baby got used to it after a day or so and that was good as the "anal" eye vet made him keep it on for two months. Grrrrr. She sure erred on the side of caution. I do not know if it is the norm to not be able to see after surgery and would ask about that too. My boy only had one eye done so he could see from the other eye and he did not have trouble with bumping into things. One thing I have found is that the cone does tend to distort the vision from the sides and that affects how they see. Also I think the new lens does not work well for close vision, but is excellent for far vision.
It is good that my baby adapted well to the cone as he has to wear it a lot when he gets eye allergies, poor boy. He almost seems to be comforted by it, especially when he sleeps.....something to rest his head on!
Hope all is well by tomorrow when the pumpkin action gets going. LOL!

Martie · 05-21-2013, 05:46 PM

YEA!!!!!! the magic pumpkin veggie worked

plus we took him to his favorite park and he was very happy to be there, smelling everything... good thing cause we knew he needed to walk to activate the bowels.... I am so relieved. Thank you Lord

I bet he might just be more relieved then I am......

dottiesyrky · 05-21-2013, 05:58 PM

So happy it worked and that Sammy is behaving normally again. I bet he enjoyed his trip to the park. Keep up the good work, he is doing so well now.
Pat on the back for hubby who saved the day for little Sammy.

Maximo · 05-21-2013, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martie

YEA!!!!!! the magic pumpkin veggie worked

plus we took him to his favorite park and he was very happy to be there, smelling everything... good thing cause we knew he needed to walk to activate the bowels.... I am so relieved. Thank you Lord

I bet he might just be more relieved then I am......

Hahaha! Yea! I am very happy for Sammy and you.

Britster · 05-22-2013, 05:44 AM

So happy to hear he's doing well!

Wylie's Mom · 05-22-2013, 06:16 AM

I'm reading this thread with interest bc Wylie may have cataract surgery. It seems like those who've been through it say the recovery is just awful....can you explain why? Also, someone mentioned their vet made their dog wear the cone for TWO months - is that common? My gosh, Wylie would never deal with that. And lastly, what is the tedious post-surgery medication routine all about, and how long do you have to give these meds?

dottiesyrky · 05-22-2013, 09:30 AM

I just wrote a long(!!!) reply to your questions and the site froze. So I will make this shorter!
It seems that my experience with the post op care was more tedious than some here, so I hope others will give their experiences too.
The main issue was the number and frequency of both the eye and oral meds, and the time for which they had to be administered. Oral meds had to be coordinated with food also. Eye drops had to have a 15 min interval between each med drop. I found it hard to remember all the meds and times and had to make a spreadsheet with meds, times of day, meals, and days. I then marked off every time I gave a med. We started at 6 am and ended at 9pm. The poor dog was always being picked up for meds and became scared when we neared as he knew what was coming! He wore the cone constantly, but unlike some dogs mentioned on YT, he did not mind wearing it. The specialist vet was very anal about the post op care and it seems she was over cautious? The med frequency was high in the first few weeks but decreased gradually with time. After about 6 weeks the regimen eased off, but the cone was on for 2 months. Each time we had a re check visit we prayed there would be less meds and no cone, but we were usually disappointed. Apparently the risks of inflammation and glaucoma are greater for dogs than humans and steps have to be taken to prevent them. My dog had the surgery at 1.5 years old (an immature cataract in one eye) and is now over 4 yrs old. His last visit was in April and up to that time he had numerous follow up visits and anti-inflammatory drops every 3 days at least. It seems one always has to be watchful with dog cataracts!
I would just say that part of the problem was our expectations as to when it would be over. I wish the vet had given us the complete schedule at the start rather than update at every visit. But perhaps that would have depressed us too much! Perhaps it would be helpful to you to get the complete story?
The good news is that the surgery part is successful and that is the important thing.
I am sorry that your dog may have to go through this, but he will be able to see well again and that is great.
If there is any more info I can give please PM me.

Martie · 05-22-2013, 11:08 AM

Dottiesyrky, you have some great info and are right on with your advice. The surgery and aftercare require strict commitment to your furbaby. Again I can't thank you enuf for the pumpkin recommendation. And the walk to the park (even tho he was scared) he enjoyed the smells. No he can't see yet but this is only day 5 so we still have alot of recovery ahead of us. Thank God for his recovery also.... we didn't think Sammy would go for the cone either, he is a little bullheaded. He is getting used to it now, I have to remember I am the human here to help him and he is the baby... yes, we watch him every second of the day, because he will try and get it off, but it is my job to make sure he doesn't, I feel like a meanie, but that is ok too.

dottiesyrky · 05-22-2013, 12:01 PM

Thank you for your kind words, but I cant take credit for the pumpkin idea. LOL! Thought it was your hubby's idea! So glad you all are getting used to the routine and that Sammy is doing so well under your watchful care. He will love the cone in the end, trust me! Hope he continues to improve and enjoy his walks and smells.
We should form a Cataract Survivors Club as we need all the support and understanding we can get! One day at a time and the days do get better.

KathyKelben · 05-22-2013, 01:03 PM

I don't get my baby until July, but I have been reading here ALOT, lol. I really admire your dedication and love you all give to these dogs. Thread after thread contains really good advice but above all you support each other when someone is struggling with something. Great job, and I will keep reading.

05-20-2013, 06:11 PM	#17
Martie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 800	ok I have a question..... Sam had his surgery on Friday and we brought him home, he is eating and drinking and peeing but has yet had a bowel movement and this is three days... is this normal, should I be concerned? He is still on pain meds so he is sleeping alot and won't walk very much (too tired) tomorrow is the last day for pain meds... we go back to the vet on Friday.... should I call the vet tomorrow if he still has not gone? __________________ May I be the person my furbabies think I am Sammy, Sophie, Isis', Fergus and and kitties Eddie and Fiona

05-20-2013, 06:57 PM	#18
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	Sammy It is always better to at least call the vet when you are concerned. The fact that Sammy is eating, drinking and peeing is great. Sometimes pain meds can cause constipation and the vet could put your mind at rest there. I do worry that he is still so tired though, even with the meds. My boy after cataract surgery did not appear tired after a day or so, but it is possible he does not react well to anesthesia and needs more time to get it out if his system. If it were me I would call the vet tomorrow and see what he says about your concerns. Hope he is adapting to the cone and eye/oral med regimen. Perhaps tomorrow will be a charm and a little poop will appear to ease your worries.

05-20-2013, 07:12 PM	#19
Martie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 800	thank you the info dottiesyrky..... My sweet husband went to the store and got him some pumpkin and he ate about two teaspoons of it, maybe that will help him. I didn't know they would get constipation. He hate the cone, but is tolerating it. I keep him by my side at all times because if I don't he will try and get it off.... he is too smart for his own good sometimes. He can not see at all at this point but as the days go by I hope he will see much better. I don't know how long it will take for him to get his vision back... he keeps bumping into things at this point. __________________ May I be the person my furbabies think I am Sammy, Sophie, Isis', Fergus and and kitties Eddie and Fiona

05-20-2013, 07:27 PM	#20
Martie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 800	thank you all for your prayers and concern.... lex43 your furbaby is beautiful.... and Cherie6446, we find out on Friday how long he will be with the cone.... 14 to 28 days is the estimate... __________________ May I be the person my furbabies think I am Sammy, Sophie, Isis', Fergus and and kitties Eddie and Fiona

05-21-2013, 05:46 PM	#22
Martie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 800	YEA!!!!!! the magic pumpkin veggie worked plus we took him to his favorite park and he was very happy to be there, smelling everything... good thing cause we knew he needed to walk to activate the bowels.... I am so relieved. Thank you Lord I bet he might just be more relieved then I am...... __________________ May I be the person my furbabies think I am Sammy, Sophie, Isis', Fergus and and kitties Eddie and Fiona

05-20-2013, 11:58 AM	#16
carabell Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: MN Posts: 80	Glad sammy is doing better!

05-20-2013, 07:31 PM	#21
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	You are right, the pumpkin may well get things going. Nice kind husband for going out to get the magic veggie. I suppose the digestive system is so empty prior to surgery that it takes a little while to get working again. Sorry Sammy still hates the cone, my baby got used to it after a day or so and that was good as the "anal" eye vet made him keep it on for two months. Grrrrr. She sure erred on the side of caution. I do not know if it is the norm to not be able to see after surgery and would ask about that too. My boy only had one eye done so he could see from the other eye and he did not have trouble with bumping into things. One thing I have found is that the cone does tend to distort the vision from the sides and that affects how they see. Also I think the new lens does not work well for close vision, but is excellent for far vision. It is good that my baby adapted well to the cone as he has to wear it a lot when he gets eye allergies, poor boy. He almost seems to be comforted by it, especially when he sleeps.....something to rest his head on! Hope all is well by tomorrow when the pumpkin action gets going. LOL!

05-21-2013, 05:58 PM	#23
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	Magic pumpkin! So happy it worked and that Sammy is behaving normally again. I bet he enjoyed his trip to the park. Keep up the good work, he is doing so well now. Pat on the back for hubby who saved the day for little Sammy.

05-22-2013, 05:44 AM	#25
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,815	So happy to hear he's doing well! __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

05-22-2013, 06:16 AM	#26
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	I'm reading this thread with interest bc Wylie may have cataract surgery. It seems like those who've been through it say the recovery is just awful....can you explain why? Also, someone mentioned their vet made their dog wear the cone for TWO months - is that common? My gosh, Wylie would never deal with that. And lastly, what is the tedious post-surgery medication routine all about, and how long do you have to give these meds? __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

05-22-2013, 09:30 AM	#27
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	Cataracts I just wrote a long(!!!) reply to your questions and the site froze. So I will make this shorter! It seems that my experience with the post op care was more tedious than some here, so I hope others will give their experiences too. The main issue was the number and frequency of both the eye and oral meds, and the time for which they had to be administered. Oral meds had to be coordinated with food also. Eye drops had to have a 15 min interval between each med drop. I found it hard to remember all the meds and times and had to make a spreadsheet with meds, times of day, meals, and days. I then marked off every time I gave a med. We started at 6 am and ended at 9pm. The poor dog was always being picked up for meds and became scared when we neared as he knew what was coming! He wore the cone constantly, but unlike some dogs mentioned on YT, he did not mind wearing it. The specialist vet was very anal about the post op care and it seems she was over cautious? The med frequency was high in the first few weeks but decreased gradually with time. After about 6 weeks the regimen eased off, but the cone was on for 2 months. Each time we had a re check visit we prayed there would be less meds and no cone, but we were usually disappointed. Apparently the risks of inflammation and glaucoma are greater for dogs than humans and steps have to be taken to prevent them. My dog had the surgery at 1.5 years old (an immature cataract in one eye) and is now over 4 yrs old. His last visit was in April and up to that time he had numerous follow up visits and anti-inflammatory drops every 3 days at least. It seems one always has to be watchful with dog cataracts! I would just say that part of the problem was our expectations as to when it would be over. I wish the vet had given us the complete schedule at the start rather than update at every visit. But perhaps that would have depressed us too much! Perhaps it would be helpful to you to get the complete story? The good news is that the surgery part is successful and that is the important thing. I am sorry that your dog may have to go through this, but he will be able to see well again and that is great. If there is any more info I can give please PM me.

05-22-2013, 11:08 AM	#28
Martie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 800	Dottiesyrky, you have some great info and are right on with your advice. The surgery and aftercare require strict commitment to your furbaby. Again I can't thank you enuf for the pumpkin recommendation. And the walk to the park (even tho he was scared) he enjoyed the smells. No he can't see yet but this is only day 5 so we still have alot of recovery ahead of us. Thank God for his recovery also.... we didn't think Sammy would go for the cone either, he is a little bullheaded. He is getting used to it now, I have to remember I am the human here to help him and he is the baby... yes, we watch him every second of the day, because he will try and get it off, but it is my job to make sure he doesn't, I feel like a meanie, but that is ok too. __________________ May I be the person my furbabies think I am Sammy, Sophie, Isis', Fergus and and kitties Eddie and Fiona

05-22-2013, 12:01 PM	#29
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	Thank you for your kind words, but I cant take credit for the pumpkin idea. LOL! Thought it was your hubby's idea! So glad you all are getting used to the routine and that Sammy is doing so well under your watchful care. He will love the cone in the end, trust me! Hope he continues to improve and enjoy his walks and smells. We should form a Cataract Survivors Club as we need all the support and understanding we can get! One day at a time and the days do get better.

05-22-2013, 01:03 PM	#30
KathyKelben Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 130	I don't get my baby until July, but I have been reading here ALOT, lol. I really admire your dedication and love you all give to these dogs. Thread after thread contains really good advice but above all you support each other when someone is struggling with something. Great job, and I will keep reading.