Need advice with eye issues - red eye, cataracts - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

KatysMom · 05-12-2018, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parka

The ear and the eye could be related - or at least, I hope it's related. I'm going to cross my fingers that his eye gets better this week.

Both paws crossed here.

Wylie's Mom · 05-13-2018, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parka

Hey everyone. Yes, it's both his right eye and right ear that are having problems. They cleaned out his ears this morning and gave me Mometamax to treat him with. He does have an infection in both ears but the right one was really gross. They will be telling stories about him for a while.

The ear and the eye could be related - or at least, I hope it's related. I'm going to cross my fingers that his eye gets better this week.

I'm definitely very stressed right now. I didn't go to the gym this morning like usual and everyone was texting me asking me where I was. At the vet, again!

Hmmmm...so a few questions:

So these ear infections have been more 'seasonally chronic' then, for how long...? And, how soon after treating an ear infection does another one come back?

Does he itch his ears? And/or does he chew/lick his paws?

Since this is in both an eye and the ears (could be totally unrelated though) -- have his teeth been thoroughly checked...? Last dental?

What are you feeding?

Parka · 05-13-2018, 08:57 AM

All great questions.

He has been getting ear infections yearly for about 8 years straight now. He typically gets one in the spring, and sometimes one in the fall too. But almost always one in the spring. It usually takes a month to clear up and then it either reoccurs in the fall or not until the following spring. He usually gets them in both ears at the same time, but one ear is always way worse. In the past he'd start shaking his head and yawning a lot when he had an ear infection, but this time he didn't tell me. He was just at the vet two weeks ago and his ears were fine at that time. I wonder if it's stress related, or maybe being handled by so many strangers during exams for the eye issue.

He doesn't itch his ears or lick his paws. He does a lot of air licking and has been doing that since I got him, and sometimes he rubs his face on things. Mostly after eating or pooping. I was told he's just neurotic.

He had a dental back in January. They removed some teeth that were bothering him. He has been getting them yearly since I got him, with the exception of one year when something happened with his heart and they had to wake him up. In the years since his dentals have been problem free.

I feed him ID gastrointestinal low fat kibble. We have been through a lot of different foods and this seems to be the one that keeps him from getting sick. He's had many bouts with pancreatitis and some liver issues. All is well now.

As far as his current condition goes... I've never had a problem giving him ear drops before, but this time he's super surly. His ears must really hurt. I'm doing the best I can to get the drops in his ears but I think I'm going to have to be creative. The bottle has a long thin tip that he does not like, and I'm not stealthy enough to get it in his ear without him noticing. He definitely doesn't feel well, he's extremely grumpy and has been sleeping in weird places all day.

Wylie's Mom · 05-17-2018, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parka

All great questions.

He has been getting ear infections yearly for about 8 years straight now. He typically gets one in the spring, and sometimes one in the fall too. But almost always one in the spring. It usually takes a month to clear up and then it either reoccurs in the fall or not until the following spring. He usually gets them in both ears at the same time, but one ear is always way worse. In the past he'd start shaking his head and yawning a lot when he had an ear infection, but this time he didn't tell me. He was just at the vet two weeks ago and his ears were fine at that time. I wonder if it's stress related, or maybe being handled by so many strangers during exams for the eye issue.

He doesn't itch his ears or lick his paws. He does a lot of air licking and has been doing that since I got him, and sometimes he rubs his face on things. Mostly after eating or pooping. I was told he's just neurotic.

He had a dental back in January. They removed some teeth that were bothering him. He has been getting them yearly since I got him, with the exception of one year when something happened with his heart and they had to wake him up. In the years since his dentals have been problem free.

I feed him ID gastrointestinal low fat kibble. We have been through a lot of different foods and this seems to be the one that keeps him from getting sick. He's had many bouts with pancreatitis and some liver issues. All is well now.

As far as his current condition goes... I've never had a problem giving him ear drops before, but this time he's super surly. His ears must really hurt. I'm doing the best I can to get the drops in his ears but I think I'm going to have to be creative. The bottle has a long thin tip that he does not like, and I'm not stealthy enough to get it in his ear without him noticing. He definitely doesn't feel well, he's extremely grumpy and has been sleeping in weird places all day.

Anytime there are repeated recurrent infections in a dog, I always recommend at least looking at the other random symptoms of Cushings: https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/di...s-disease.html

Have they actually swabbed the ears and grown it out in culture for 14 days to see *which* bug or fungus is truly causing these infections...?

The seasonal nature of these infections could be allergen related. I'd be talking to my Vet about especially the spring time and perhaps trying to ramp up on either Atopica or Apoquel the month before he usually gets the infection - and see if that helps prevent it.

Is that ID grain free kibble btw? If not -- and if this ear issue is fungal (ie, yeast), I'd be wanting my kiddo on grain free something for sure (but low fat in your case) -- bc yeast loooooves carbs!

With air licking, could be GERD - which Pepcid can help with in a snap: https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/di...wallowing.html

Parka · 05-17-2018, 05:00 PM

Based on that post, I think I should have him evaluated for Cushings. When he goes back to the vet on Saturday, I'll ask if I can get a referral for the test(s).

The food is not grain free, but considering how hard it was to get his digestive system under control - it took almost a year - I don't want to change it unless there's a compelling reason to. I know it's not perfect but it's working for him.

He's been acting very strangely the last couple days. He doesn't seem to know where things are. He's always been able to locate his crate and food bowl and whatnot. Right now he's laying down in his crate and it's concerning, because he never does that when the door is open and I'm around. I mean, he's eating and pooping and taking his meds so I guess I have to forgive him if he wants to rest without me poking at him.

We see the 2nd eye specialist tomorrow afternoon. His eye is not looking any better at all. His ears show improvement but I know his infections are slow to clear.

The vet usually tests his ear gunk while he's admitted, so the test itself couldn't take more than an hour or two. I'll ask if they can do a 14 day culture when we go to his recheck on Saturday.

KatysMom · 05-17-2018, 05:15 PM

Hi Parka,

I'm so sorry your little one is not acting like himself. As you suggest, sometimes that is harder on us then them, but still...

Glad to hear his ears show some improvement and ever hopeful 2nd opinion on the eye gives you some peace of mind as to the path forward.

Thank you for the update. Keeping you all in my thoughts. --KatysMom

Parka · 05-18-2018, 01:30 PM

We saw the second specialist today. Even with an appointment, it was a VERY long wait. The room was packed.

Anyways, she explained there are 4 stages of cataracts. She said his right eye is 4/4 and at that point the lens material starts leaking out and causing irritation. The eye needs to be removed. However, she said his left eye is 2/4 and rapidly approaching 3/4, so that's also a problem. She suggested cataract removal in the left eye and full removal of the right eye. The other specialist said he wasn't a candidate for cataract removal, but maybe I misunderstood. I do NOT want to have the procedure done by the second specialist because she said it includes an overnight stay in the neighboring emergency clinic, and that clinic almost killed my dog once. No way in hell he is staying there.

She took him off the steroid drops and gave me flurbiprofen, and thanks to you lovely people I actually knew what that was. I called and left a message for the first specialist to ask about the cost of eye removal and what she thinks of cataract removal in the left eye. The second eye specialist said his eyes look closer to a 16 year old than a 10 year old, which I mean... he is a rescue, so he could be 16. Who knows really.

He still doesn't feel well. I think between the eye drops and the ear drops it may just be too much junk in his system.

KatysMom · 05-18-2018, 02:04 PM

Hi Parka,

Bless you for all that you have done and are doing for this little one. I'm sure he returns the love and affection. Do hope he feels better with the change in meds.

You wrote, "....neighboring emergency clinic .... almost killed my dog once..." I wouldn't want him to be there again, either.

It sounds like the 2nd opinion gave you an awful lot to take in. How are you doing? Were I in your shoes, suspect I'd feel I had aged 6 years too?

Will the flurbiprofen also bring some relief to the 4/4 eye, even if only in the short term?

Hugs and prayers with you and your little one. --KatysMom

Parka · 05-18-2018, 03:21 PM

Yeah, he was having a seizure at the time and they gave him the wrong medication. I was hysterical. I might be banned from there for all I know.

The plan right now is... I'm going to explore my options while he recovers from his ear infection. Maybe the flurbiprofen will help. I'm going to speak with my regular vet tomorrow and see if they have any recommendations. I know the doctor he usually sees does not do eye removals. I also have a coworker who knows someone who recently had her dog's eye removed, but I don't know if she's local. I'm going to ask her on Monday. Lastly, when the first specialist calls me back, I will talk to her about doing eye removal with her clinic and whether or not she thinks cataract removal is viable.

I'm also going to ask about having him evaluated for Cushings, I thought that was a good suggestion by Wylie's Mom.

Right now... I'm going to go buy some Ben & Jerry's and eat it after my dog goes to sleep. I'm tired, and stressed, but he comes first forever and always.

KatysMom · 05-18-2018, 03:40 PM

Hi Parka,

It sounds as though you have a good plan that includes input from both professionals and a pet-parent Suspect you will learn more and be in a position to make informed decisions. Its possible the between 10 years and maybe 16 years will weigh on the vet's input regarding the eye(s). Will be interested to hear what the vet says about Cushings test.

I so admire your thoughtfulness.

Ben & Jerry's sounds like a great idea--almost prescriptive. Hugs to you and your little one.--KatysMom.

dottiesyrky · 05-18-2018, 05:23 PM

So sorry you are having to deal with these complex issues with your baby. Sounds like you sure need the comfort of the ice cream. Praying you and the vets find a solution to the dilemma and that it all works out well. Thinking of you and hope the ice cream goodies ease your stress if only for a while until you resolve this difficult issue. Thanks for all the updates and good luck.

Wylie's Mom · 05-19-2018, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parka

We saw the second specialist today. Even with an appointment, it was a VERY long wait. The room was packed.

Anyways, she explained there are 4 stages of cataracts. She said his right eye is 4/4 and at that point the lens material starts leaking out and causing irritation. The eye needs to be removed. However, she said his left eye is 2/4 and rapidly approaching 3/4, so that's also a problem. She suggested cataract removal in the left eye and full removal of the right eye. The other specialist said he wasn't a candidate for cataract removal, but maybe I misunderstood. I do NOT want to have the procedure done by the second specialist because she said it includes an overnight stay in the neighboring emergency clinic, and that clinic almost killed my dog once. No way in hell he is staying there.

She took him off the steroid drops and gave me flurbiprofen, and thanks to you lovely people I actually knew what that was. I called and left a message for the first specialist to ask about the cost of eye removal and what she thinks of cataract removal in the left eye. The second eye specialist said his eyes look closer to a 16 year old than a 10 year old, which I mean... he is a rescue, so he could be 16. Who knows really.

He still doesn't feel well. I think between the eye drops and the ear drops it may just be too much junk in his system.

Glad you finally were given Flurbiprofen - cannot believe it was never suggested before, that's shocking. Our Wylie was on that from the moment juvenile cataracts were diagnosed - bc the goal after cataract diagnosis is to prevent progression to glaucoma at every turn. It will help some with the inflammation.

As far as cataract removal - that is usually $1500-2000 per eye, not including the comprehensive work-up usually (often another $400 or so). The follow up is wearing a cone for weeks - so there is no way for him to touch the eye; and about 6 different eye drops per day for at least 6-8wks I believe.

When you say he doesn't feel well - do you think it's eye-pain related...? If so, they could easily suggest some prescriptions to help him with pain.

Sending you both good, healing, positive thoughts!

Parka · 05-19-2018, 06:22 AM

I actually never made it to the store to get ice cream - when my dog fell asleep, I followed suit. We were both tired I guess.

He's been to the vet for checkups every 6 months since I got him, and they told me not to worry about his cataracts unless his eyes were red or bulging. I have to take some responsibility, though - I never did any research on canine cataracts myself. He was happy and healthy and I trusted what the vet was telling me.

I'm surprised the fee is so low - they wanted $2200 alone just for the eye removal. Which I figured is a less complicated procedure than surgically replacing a lens. But it also included an overnight stay in the emergency clinic I refuse to use. So maybe their fee is unusually high. I haven't heard back from the first specialist yet.

Today he is back at the vet for his ears. I asked for Tresaderm last week and they gave me Mometamax instead, so I'm hoping this week they will let me switch the meds. I know Tresaderm works for whatever nasty things he grows in his ears.

He is normally a very lively, easily excitable dog. He barks at everything and he follows me around the house when I do things. It's not normal for him to camp out in his crate and chill, which is why I think he doesn't feel well. Personally, I think the steroid eye drops were contributing to his lethargy and I'm hoping he will perk up now that we've stopped them. It could also be the Mometamax - I looked it up and sometimes that causes slight hearing loss in dogs. I'm hoping he will be off that today, too.

Parka · 05-19-2018, 07:11 AM

Sorry for the double post - I think the edit button disappeared on me.

The vet says his ear infection is gone - which is a small miracle for so many reasons. She says going forward I need to clean his ears twice a week. He's going to love that! She also gave me the name of an in-network doctor that does "enucleations" (I learned a new word today) and I will schedule a consult with him about the right eye. She sounded really enthusiastic about him and said he likes doing soft tissue work.

Parka · 05-21-2018, 01:36 PM

For anyone using this thread for research in the future, the quotes I just got from the first specialist are as follows:

Enucleation (single eye removal) - $2500, includes overnight stay
Cataract removal, single eye - $5200, includes overnight stay and pre-surgery labs

After speaking with her, I do not want to do cataract removal on the left eye. I don't think it would be a good choice for him. I am going to schedule the enucleation procedure, but not until after I meet with some more doctors. I know I have seen the two best doctors to do this procedure, and I feel confident they would do a good job, but I just don't feel comfortable with either of them. I'm not sure how to explain it. There's more to it than just the procedure - he will be in their care for many hours outside of surgery.

For those of you who are wondering how he's doing, he is pretty much back to normal after discontinuing the steroid drops. I do think he has lost some vision in the left eye - which could be because of the drops, or it could be a coincidence - so I'm putting bumpers up until he relearns where the furniture is. Other than that, he's back to barking at everything and trying to trip me when I do laundry.

Oh, and I forgot to add to the last post - I spoke to his normal vet about Cushings and she said she does not think he has it based on his labs and general presentation. She pointed out something about fat pads and hair loss, both of which he definitely does not have.

I'll update after we've met with some doctors and figure out our next steps.

05-19-2018, 06:22 AM	#28
Parka Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Roswell, GA USA Posts: 61	I actually never made it to the store to get ice cream - when my dog fell asleep, I followed suit. We were both tired I guess. He's been to the vet for checkups every 6 months since I got him, and they told me not to worry about his cataracts unless his eyes were red or bulging. I have to take some responsibility, though - I never did any research on canine cataracts myself. He was happy and healthy and I trusted what the vet was telling me. I'm surprised the fee is so low - they wanted $2200 alone just for the eye removal. Which I figured is a less complicated procedure than surgically replacing a lens. But it also included an overnight stay in the emergency clinic I refuse to use. So maybe their fee is unusually high. I haven't heard back from the first specialist yet. Today he is back at the vet for his ears. I asked for Tresaderm last week and they gave me Mometamax instead, so I'm hoping this week they will let me switch the meds. I know Tresaderm works for whatever nasty things he grows in his ears. He is normally a very lively, easily excitable dog. He barks at everything and he follows me around the house when I do things. It's not normal for him to camp out in his crate and chill, which is why I think he doesn't feel well. Personally, I think the steroid eye drops were contributing to his lethargy and I'm hoping he will perk up now that we've stopped them. It could also be the Mometamax - I looked it up and sometimes that causes slight hearing loss in dogs. I'm hoping he will be off that today, too. Last edited by Parka; 05-19-2018 at 06:24 AM.

05-13-2018, 08:57 AM	#18
Parka Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Roswell, GA USA Posts: 61	All great questions. He has been getting ear infections yearly for about 8 years straight now. He typically gets one in the spring, and sometimes one in the fall too. But almost always one in the spring. It usually takes a month to clear up and then it either reoccurs in the fall or not until the following spring. He usually gets them in both ears at the same time, but one ear is always way worse. In the past he'd start shaking his head and yawning a lot when he had an ear infection, but this time he didn't tell me. He was just at the vet two weeks ago and his ears were fine at that time. I wonder if it's stress related, or maybe being handled by so many strangers during exams for the eye issue. He doesn't itch his ears or lick his paws. He does a lot of air licking and has been doing that since I got him, and sometimes he rubs his face on things. Mostly after eating or pooping. I was told he's just neurotic. He had a dental back in January. They removed some teeth that were bothering him. He has been getting them yearly since I got him, with the exception of one year when something happened with his heart and they had to wake him up. In the years since his dentals have been problem free. I feed him ID gastrointestinal low fat kibble. We have been through a lot of different foods and this seems to be the one that keeps him from getting sick. He's had many bouts with pancreatitis and some liver issues. All is well now. As far as his current condition goes... I've never had a problem giving him ear drops before, but this time he's super surly. His ears must really hurt. I'm doing the best I can to get the drops in his ears but I think I'm going to have to be creative. The bottle has a long thin tip that he does not like, and I'm not stealthy enough to get it in his ear without him noticing. He definitely doesn't feel well, he's extremely grumpy and has been sleeping in weird places all day.

05-17-2018, 05:00 PM	#20
Parka Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Roswell, GA USA Posts: 61	Based on that post, I think I should have him evaluated for Cushings. When he goes back to the vet on Saturday, I'll ask if I can get a referral for the test(s). The food is not grain free, but considering how hard it was to get his digestive system under control - it took almost a year - I don't want to change it unless there's a compelling reason to. I know it's not perfect but it's working for him. He's been acting very strangely the last couple days. He doesn't seem to know where things are. He's always been able to locate his crate and food bowl and whatnot. Right now he's laying down in his crate and it's concerning, because he never does that when the door is open and I'm around. I mean, he's eating and pooping and taking his meds so I guess I have to forgive him if he wants to rest without me poking at him. We see the 2nd eye specialist tomorrow afternoon. His eye is not looking any better at all. His ears show improvement but I know his infections are slow to clear. The vet usually tests his ear gunk while he's admitted, so the test itself couldn't take more than an hour or two. I'll ask if they can do a 14 day culture when we go to his recheck on Saturday.

05-17-2018, 05:15 PM	#21
KatysMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: AZ Posts: 928	Hi Parka, I'm so sorry your little one is not acting like himself. As you suggest, sometimes that is harder on us then them, but still... Glad to hear his ears show some improvement and ever hopeful 2nd opinion on the eye gives you some peace of mind as to the path forward. Thank you for the update. Keeping you all in my thoughts. --KatysMom

05-18-2018, 01:30 PM	#22
Parka Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Roswell, GA USA Posts: 61	We saw the second specialist today. Even with an appointment, it was a VERY long wait. The room was packed. Anyways, she explained there are 4 stages of cataracts. She said his right eye is 4/4 and at that point the lens material starts leaking out and causing irritation. The eye needs to be removed. However, she said his left eye is 2/4 and rapidly approaching 3/4, so that's also a problem. She suggested cataract removal in the left eye and full removal of the right eye. The other specialist said he wasn't a candidate for cataract removal, but maybe I misunderstood. I do NOT want to have the procedure done by the second specialist because she said it includes an overnight stay in the neighboring emergency clinic, and that clinic almost killed my dog once. No way in hell he is staying there. She took him off the steroid drops and gave me flurbiprofen, and thanks to you lovely people I actually knew what that was. I called and left a message for the first specialist to ask about the cost of eye removal and what she thinks of cataract removal in the left eye. The second eye specialist said his eyes look closer to a 16 year old than a 10 year old, which I mean... he is a rescue, so he could be 16. Who knows really. He still doesn't feel well. I think between the eye drops and the ear drops it may just be too much junk in his system.

05-18-2018, 02:04 PM	#23
KatysMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: AZ Posts: 928	Hi Parka, Bless you for all that you have done and are doing for this little one. I'm sure he returns the love and affection. Do hope he feels better with the change in meds. You wrote, "....neighboring emergency clinic .... almost killed my dog once..." I wouldn't want him to be there again, either. It sounds like the 2nd opinion gave you an awful lot to take in. How are you doing? Were I in your shoes, suspect I'd feel I had aged 6 years too? Will the flurbiprofen also bring some relief to the 4/4 eye, even if only in the short term? Hugs and prayers with you and your little one. --KatysMom

05-18-2018, 03:21 PM	#24
Parka Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Roswell, GA USA Posts: 61	Yeah, he was having a seizure at the time and they gave him the wrong medication. I was hysterical. I might be banned from there for all I know. The plan right now is... I'm going to explore my options while he recovers from his ear infection. Maybe the flurbiprofen will help. I'm going to speak with my regular vet tomorrow and see if they have any recommendations. I know the doctor he usually sees does not do eye removals. I also have a coworker who knows someone who recently had her dog's eye removed, but I don't know if she's local. I'm going to ask her on Monday. Lastly, when the first specialist calls me back, I will talk to her about doing eye removal with her clinic and whether or not she thinks cataract removal is viable. I'm also going to ask about having him evaluated for Cushings, I thought that was a good suggestion by Wylie's Mom. Right now... I'm going to go buy some Ben & Jerry's and eat it after my dog goes to sleep. I'm tired, and stressed, but he comes first forever and always.

05-18-2018, 03:40 PM	#25
KatysMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: AZ Posts: 928	Hi Parka, It sounds as though you have a good plan that includes input from both professionals and a pet-parent Suspect you will learn more and be in a position to make informed decisions. Its possible the between 10 years and maybe 16 years will weigh on the vet's input regarding the eye(s). Will be interested to hear what the vet says about Cushings test. I so admire your thoughtfulness. Ben & Jerry's sounds like a great idea--almost prescriptive. Hugs to you and your little one.--KatysMom.

05-18-2018, 05:23 PM	#26
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	So sorry you are having to deal with these complex issues with your baby. Sounds like you sure need the comfort of the ice cream. Praying you and the vets find a solution to the dilemma and that it all works out well. Thinking of you and hope the ice cream goodies ease your stress if only for a while until you resolve this difficult issue. Thanks for all the updates and good luck.

05-19-2018, 07:11 AM	#29
Parka Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Roswell, GA USA Posts: 61	Sorry for the double post - I think the edit button disappeared on me. The vet says his ear infection is gone - which is a small miracle for so many reasons. She says going forward I need to clean his ears twice a week. He's going to love that! She also gave me the name of an in-network doctor that does "enucleations" (I learned a new word today) and I will schedule a consult with him about the right eye. She sounded really enthusiastic about him and said he likes doing soft tissue work.

05-21-2018, 01:36 PM	#30
Parka Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Roswell, GA USA Posts: 61	For anyone using this thread for research in the future, the quotes I just got from the first specialist are as follows: Enucleation (single eye removal) - $2500, includes overnight stay Cataract removal, single eye - $5200, includes overnight stay and pre-surgery labs After speaking with her, I do not want to do cataract removal on the left eye. I don't think it would be a good choice for him. I am going to schedule the enucleation procedure, but not until after I meet with some more doctors. I know I have seen the two best doctors to do this procedure, and I feel confident they would do a good job, but I just don't feel comfortable with either of them. I'm not sure how to explain it. There's more to it than just the procedure - he will be in their care for many hours outside of surgery. For those of you who are wondering how he's doing, he is pretty much back to normal after discontinuing the steroid drops. I do think he has lost some vision in the left eye - which could be because of the drops, or it could be a coincidence - so I'm putting bumpers up until he relearns where the furniture is. Other than that, he's back to barking at everything and trying to trip me when I do laundry. Oh, and I forgot to add to the last post - I spoke to his normal vet about Cushings and she said she does not think he has it based on his labs and general presentation. She pointed out something about fat pads and hair loss, both of which he definitely does not have. I'll update after we've met with some doctors and figure out our next steps.