Labs Eyes

[ronk]

My Lab will be 13 next month and has severe cataracs (bad spelling). This morning he ran into the wall twice. My question is: When do you decide to put him down? Do I wait until he's 100% blind??? I'm sad and not sure what to do next? I don't really want to bring him to the vet until absolutely necessary.

Any advice is appreciated.

-Ron

[mastifflover]

Most dogs do very well adapting to blindness as well as deafness. First thing is you have to remember not to move furniture and things around. Also it will take a little longer since he did have vision. But blindness is no reason to pTS your pet. I suggest you check out this link it will be helpful and hopefully he will adapt, it will require patience but worth it.
http://www.ehow.com/how_17612_live-with-blind.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_17614_train-blind-dog.html

[badger]

Come on, take him to the vet, at least to find out if anything can be done. This is your friend! From what I've heard even older animals that go blind can learn to get around. Please don't put him down until you've examined all the options.

[twinmommy]

I have known two dogs personally who went blind and they were FINE!! Sure it's hard to watch them banging around, but this only transitory, and just don't move anything around.... it'll soon abate.

I would only PTS a 13 yr. old who is in pain and suffering. Don't assume "quality of life" for another living thing. Play up his senses that are still normal( and probably improving!!) It's not time to play ball, but give him more massages, special treats, maybe a new soft toy...

that's my 2 cents. :love:

[ronk]

Appreciate all the good & quick advice. I'll get him to the vet and go from there.

Thanks again!!!

-Ron

[badger]

Good for you Ronk, for going that extra mile. Let us know what the vet says, we like happy endings.

[Sheriffmom]

Also try looking up a www.deafdogs.org, I believe they have a link for blind dogs on their site.... There are also numerous "contaptions" that help a blind dog.... 1 thing is a collar with a "bumper" out the front, so the dog doesn't bang into things, it is quite cute seeing a dog with one on.... Another thing is if the blind dog has a "brother/sister" a lot of the time they will use the other dog as their seeing-eye-dog! LOl it is soo cute to see.