One of the options we were given was the injections to stop fluid production which should help with the pressure and therefore the pain but she thinks the chances of it working is low and that removal is inevitable. I just want her to be free from pain. If people can't see beyond her vision, or lack of, then they aren't the right family for her. I would love to see her go to a home where she would be the only spoiled princess but if no she'll be loved by us. I realize that not everyone has the time or ability to take a special needs dog but they miss out on a lot. So many who come to us for adoption want a dog who's 5 lbs, house trained, doesn't bark, good with kids and othet pets , leash trained, perfect coat and no health issues. When you find one of these, eitherwith a breeder or a rescue pick one up for me. Sorry about the sarcasm but the last few days have sucked.

You left out female.

It is true, BUT while the majority may want perfect, there are awesome homes out there who love the pups no matter what. We just have to be patient and wait for them to appear! :)

If Sophie is strong enough to undergo surgery to remove the eye, it is the best option. We just lost our blind poodle this weekend. She had one enucleation and a gentamycin injection in the other eye. The enucleation was a little tougher recovery, but much better in the long run. Blind dogs do great in houses with multiple dogs or in single dog homes. Don't limit her chances to find a forever home. My yorkie led my blind girl around and they were best buddies.

Diana and Scooby

I am curious as to why you think the enucleation is better. The opthamologist told me how painful it is...and with one of my fosters we did the gentamycin and it worked out fine. Just curious since you have had both done.

LadyJane, you are right. We have had both, on the same dog. I have a couple of reasons for preferring the enucleation. First, once the eyeball is gone, it's gone. No further problems. As long as the eyeball is there, it is a risk. For infection or injury. Months after the gentamyacin injection, our girl got a horrible infection from running into a small piece of grass. The surgery was not a breeze, but she only required pain meds for about three days after her enucleation surgery and then she was up and moving and happier than she'd been for a long time. Also the chemical used for the ablation, gentamyacin, is an antibiotic that is very hard on the kidneys. We had to have a kidney profile done prior to the injection to make sure her kidneys were functioning okay. And they were, so that was not an issue. But it can cause kidney problems after the procedure. Also, it took about 3 or 4 months for her pressures to drop fully. So we were paying for the treatment, plus the pressure checks, plus the eye drops, for quite some time. While the injection was cheaper in the short term, it turned out to be more expensive for us in the long run when considering the drops, pressure checks, and treating the infection she got later. It's an individual choice, and the gentamyacin shot is a good choice for a dog that cannot handle a major surgery, but I would choose enucleation whenever possible. Like I said, everyone looks at it in their own way, but if my dog could have handled a second major surgery I would have chosen enucleation hands down.

Diana and Scooby

I kind of get that, but they are at risk if they have good eyes, too. It does end up being a bit of a pain until the eye actually shrinks....I did have quite a few visits for a while. It took some time for Gabby's eye to shrink. You are right about the Gentamycin...they really cannot do it with a smaller pup...the dose it takes often is too much for the pup to handle. It is a balancing act. I still don't know if I would go with the enucleation if I could avoid it ... if the only issue were the possibility of injury or infection. But..it is an individual choice. Thanks for sharing! :)

Gentamycin can also be ototoxic. I don't think I would want to risk her being blind and deaf.

Just wanted to say how sorry I am over the loss of your poodle. May he/she Rest In Peace at the Rainbow Bridge. And may you find peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

One small suggestion from someone who has zero experience - so take it for what it's worth - we have a strip of bells at the back door for Pluto and he rings the bells when he wants to go outside to do his business.

The cats have been ringing the bell strip too now wanting to go out to their catio. I was thinking that if you installed an auditory option now - that when the time comes and your dog bumps into the bells it's a way for her to identify the location of outside - and tell you what she wants.

We also have wind chimes outside and I'm wondering if that would help with directional orientation for Sophie down the road. We also have a water fountain for the animals inside that makes a nice trickling sound - which could be another homing device like thing you could have already in place to aid in easy identification of her feeding bowl and water, etc.

Hope these help.

Hello
I actually don't have a Yorkie but I was researching my dog's health condition on dog forums and I joined specifically to answer this post.
I used to have a blind dog as does a neighbour. Hers is a young 'rescue' collie who was kept tethered up most of his life. Even with no sight he has settled into his new home and you wouldn't realise he can't see. He knows his way round the house and he walks off the lead (we live in a rural area) He knows the route for his walks and he knows where every obstacle is. For example halfway down the lane, there is a farm gate which is sometimes closed - he knows exactly where it is and automatically walks round it - even when it is open. He even runs free in the field. She calls him back if he looks like he is going to run into a tree but that rarely happens as he has learnt where everything is. Plus it's as if his other senses are heightened. The other day a cat walked past the door of the house and he smelled it and gave chase!
So just to say a dog with no sight is not as disabled as you might think. Because their other senses are so much better than ours. :thumbup:

well she had the enucleation yesterday. The opthamologist felt she would feel less pain from the eye removal than she was feeling from the glaucoma and she seems to be right. Of course it could also be the pain meds. She sits and stares at the wall like it is the most wonderful thing she has ever seen. She came home and was able to eat a little and keep it down, then started staring at the wall. We'll see what happens next.

that is what I am so afraid of with morgan// even though his pressures are in the normal range

I was so glad to read this post, and to know that Sophie has gotten rid of that yucky old glaucoma that was causing her pain. My dog only needed tramadol for about three days after her enucleation, and then she was off and running. Let us know how Sophie does. One eyed dogs are very cute, btw.

Diana and Scooby

I know this is late but wanted to post an update. Sophie had surgery 16 days ago. I felt like I was abandoning her when I left her at the vets but withing 5 days she was acting perfectly normal. By 10 days she was as wild as a terrier should be. Prior to surgery she move from her bed to the couch and back to her bed. After she got into the closets, scattering tings everywhere. Then she pulled out all the toys and chased the cats. It was very evident that she needed the surgery. Then today she was adopted by a wonderful couple, and their adorable sweet yorkie, who are very aware of her special needs and are willing to do what is necessary. I will miss her but she deserves the best life possible and I feel they will be able to give her everything she has earned in this life. Puppy mill dogs are special. Once you get through to them they make the most wonderful loving dogs. It's as if they appreciate what you do for them and want to give back 110%.

I am so happy to hear the happy ending to this story thanks to your loving care. How wonderful that she found a family who will treasure her and spoil her just as she deserves. Job well done!