Abby is recovering from surgery

[smithman 10]

She had cataracts in both eyes and was functionally blind. The vet told me that some breeds are prone to getting cataracts early and evidently she was one.

A poodle mix rescue dog, she is somewhere close to 6 years old but I could not stand the idea of her being blind for the rest of her life. Hell, she may outlive me, these small critters can live into their late teens sometimes.

Good news is when I picked her up two days ago after the procedure it was obvious she could see again.

Not cheap but some of the best money I ever spent let me tell you. She is doing well and probably asking herself "What did I do to deserve this stupid thing on my head?"

 

[mckenney99]

Yes the cone of shame. Good for you for giving Abby the gift of her sight back. May she have a full recovery and a long life.

 

[WardenRoss]

You did a great thing!

Here's to many more great years together.


,

 

[quikdraw67]

The return on investment will be priceless. For both Abby and yourself.

Such a cutie. Please give her a scratch between her ears for me.

 

[16thVACav]

Good girl!

 

[Rotorhead1026]

Good for you both!

 

[Birdgun]

Well done, Sir, well done!!!

This story just made my wife and mine's day!

God bless,
Birdgun

 

[IndianaDave]

Good for Abby ! I hope you both have many more years together.

 

[Roofuss]

Best of luck to both you and Abby !

 

[squid8286]

I'm glad you did that for her. I'd have done the same!

 

[lihpster]

Reminds me of a line from a movie: "Why make the money if you can't enjoy spending it?"

Worth it. Every penny.

 

[mojave30cal]

Outstanding! Do all Vets do this procedure?

 

[ralph7]

I would think you could have done 1 eye for a lot less than for both. So much better of you to have done both eyes.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

There's some of us that would do anything for our pets . My hats off to you for being one of us .

Our first Aussie we found in some bushes behind a shopping centre . I was running with our first dog and she dragged me over to some bushes . I coaxed her out after going home to get some lunch meat . She had no use of her rear legs , she'd pull herself with her front legs . Our vet said he could do nothing for her , referred us to a specialist . We had nan appointment for the Monday following Thanksgiving , so she slept with us until then . She never had an accident , she'd let us know when she had to go . We went to the Dr , he said he'd have to put a plate in her pelvis , and he ended up taking of the ball on her left rear leg . Her leg just hung there , but she never let it stop her . The Dr had said it would be about $2500 , we said just do it . After he said it should be $5000 , but he looked at us and asked "So this isn't your dog ?" We said no , we found her . He said it'd been about a week since she got it , the muscle had started growing around the break in her pelvis . He asked us again about her being our dog , then said I'm only charging you what I said at first . Then he said anyone that would do this for a dog they found , is special in my book .

You sir are one of us special people . Hope your girl has a long and love filled life .

 

[smithman 10]

Abby's surgery

Many thanks for the kind comments.

One poster asked do all vets do this. The answer is no, only animal eye specialists.

As far as just doing just one eye,the surgeon said she would charge me the same for one eye as for both, I imagine out of concern for leaving one eye untreated, as a cataract left alone is likely to cause trouble eventually, damaging the eye and perhaps making it necessary to remove it.

In Abby's case, she had had a cataract in the left eye for maybe a year or so and then developed one in the right eye rather quickly in the last couple months. So it was an easy decision once I talked it over with my vet and then the eye care folks. A complete no-brainer.

And as far as the expense, it has set me back a little over $4,000 so far but I have the money. A bargain when you think of it. Even though I joke about being a cheapskate, as I said it was a easy no-brainer. I know many of you would do the same without hesitation.

Next step is the dog getting used to the fact that she can see once again and encouraging her to run about on her own. She is hesitant and still wants me to put on the leash when we go outside. Creatures of habit, you know. When that protective cone comes off I trust she will revert to chasing squirrels and rabbit invaders once again!

Again I want to thank everyone for all the kind comments and good wishes for our dog.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I doff my cap at what you do.

In almost 45 years Ruthie and I have rescued north of 30 animals and we kept them all. Vet bills were and are always part of the equation.

 

[Doug M.]

^
Those fees are an investment in our own wellbeing.