Eye problems in dogs may affect puppies as young as a few months old, but the danger of irreversible vision loss grows as they get older. Regarding health concerns, treatment choices vary from tolerable to incurable. If you’re willing to face the issue of visual loss in your pet, it’s not a deal-breaker for you.
What to Know about Sight Loss
Many dogs and cats suffer from vision loss due to old age or sickness. If the arrangement of your home remains the same, your pet’s sight loss may go undetected as long as your pet has a good memory for it. Even if your pet has a condition or illness that impairs their vision, you may not realize they’ve lost significantly until they start behaving abnormally or colliding with objects and walls. To mention a few of the most prevalent causes of pet blindness, consider the following.
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Conjunctivitis
- Uveitis
- Foreign objects
- Nuclear sclerosis
- Deteriorating retina
Trying to find the best veterinary hospital Citrus Heights? A full-service veterinary clinic, Family Friends Veterinary Hospital offers a wide range of medical treatments for cats and dogs in a comfortable and friendly environment.
What to Do When Surgery Is Needed
Senior dogs’ anesthesia and recovery times may be more complex and time-consuming than younger canines. Surgical intervention is still a possibility for them. The good news is that many older dogs may fare well during and after surgery, significantly improving their quality of life. A thorough preoperative evaluation is required for older dogs, as with any surgical operation.
We may overlook signals of sickness if we neglect our senior pets. A physical examination, diagnostic tests such as blood work (including blood cell count and chemistry), x-rays, and sometimes even abdominal or cardiac ultrasounds may be conducted before therapy. Before surgery, identifying (and addressing) previous health conditions may drastically reduce anesthetic risks.
Additionally, your veterinarian may advise that you keep a close eye on your pet during the procedure. Blood pressure, temperature, other vital signs, heart rate, and oxygen saturation will be taken and recorded. A skilled veterinary surgeon may be advised if your doctor lacks the necessary monitoring equipment to care for your dog.
What to expect from veterinary surgery? Click here to know more.
How to Make Life Easier for Pets With Vision Issues
If you suspect your dog is losing its eyesight, don’t change your routine. Pets may use local landmarks to find their way back inside the home after exploring the fenced-in area. Short plastic fences may be used to keep them contained as well. Instead of graphics, audio cues are employed to transmit commands.
If your dog is becoming older, you may notice that its vision is deteriorating. We can assist these creatures as long as we have adequate lighting. Place a patio light at the top of the stairway, for example, to give them lighting. They’d be happy to go after that. This is why a hallway night light is advantageous.
Use a baby gate to block off the steps to keep your pet safe. Also, don’t rearrange the furniture! Finally, keep in mind that while your dog adjusts to losing his senses, he may get anxious, so talk to your veterinarian about ways to reduce his stress, both medically and non-medically.
Related: Care for Geriatric Cat and Dog
