Joy's eyesight.

[Candy]

We're having a trip to a specialist vet in Wakefield tomorrow, weather and roads permitting. I've been noticing for a little while now that Joy's sight, particularly in her right eye, seems to be deteriorating. The people who she stayed with when I went on holiday ( who have had Labradors for years) also mentioned it and twice recently she has walked into the coffee table, which is at the same height as her eyes and is quite a solid, chunky table, so difficult to not see. Various tests with a couple of local vets have revealed a probable cataract, so now she's been referred on to Paragon Vets to confirm this and see if there's anything that can be done about it.
Joy seems as happy as usual most of the time, but I have noticed an increase in her reactivity to other dogs, usually very 'last minute ', as if they've suddenly appeared out of nowhere and startled her ( which I suppose as far as she's concerned is what has happened). I also feel I need to consider her safety when jumping on and off trains, which is something we do quite a lot of, particularly in the summer. If there is something that can help her, providing it's relatively risk free, then I'd like to look into this for her, hence tomorrow‘s appointment.
If there isn't, then we'll learn to live with it and find ways of adjusting. Perhaps she could have a guide dog? Or I'll have to learn to be her guide hooman! One way or another we'll manage, I'm sure. Our friend Fiona is kindly driving us there tomorrow and we're setting off in plenty of time incase we feel the need to avoid the motorway due to the high winds. I'll report back when I know what's what.

 

[Jacqui-S]

Por GGJ and Candy.
Sending

 

[HAH]

I'll report back when I know what's what.

Darling Joy - you sound characteristically stoic, Candy; and whatever the outcome, you will definitely find the best way forward for your GGJ. But it’s always going to be a bit of a worry until you know what’s what - I’m glad you’ve found a specialist, and I hope you get some clear answers to help work out next steps. Sending you both much love x

 

[Cath]

I will be thinking of you and dear GGJ

 

[M.F.]

Is the specialist a canine opthalmologist? The one we’ve taken Snowie to is brilliant and always makes him right again. We’ve just been on a thorough treatment regime, following her advice to a T (including eye drops every hour!), and Snowie has recovered remarkably well. His was allergy-related: swollen eyelids that weren’t distributing his tears, ending up in dry, painful eyes. I hope Joy, too, gets made right again. I do find that specialists really are worth the visit. Thinking of you both xxx

 

[Lab_adore]

I am sad to read this Candy....sending many many hugs and lambies

 

[Granca]

for Joy for today’s appointment. Safe journey too.

 

[Selina27]

I hope the journey is ok today, and the specialist can give you some answers. xx

 

[Joy]

I hope it all goes smoothly today. x

 

[Anne123]

Sending and hope for a good outcome! Drive safely!!

 

[kateincornwall]

Sending love and hopes for dear Joy today xxxx

 

[Stacia]

Sorry to read about Joy's diminishing eyesight. If only in one eye she should adjust well. My friend has a Greyhound and he had to have his eye out a few months ago and he copes perfectly. Another friend who had a Flat coat retriever, lost an eye and still went picking up. Fingers crossed for the best outcome.

 

[Cath]

How have things gone @Candy for GGJ

 

[Candy]

The vet, an Opthalmology specialist, was lovely with Joy today, very gentle and kind. She has progressive retinal atrophy, which is a congenital condition, and one of the several breeds it most commonly affects is Labradors. It's currently worse in her right eye, but also present in her left, and at present unfortunately there is no successful treatment. However, with the help of a supportive hooman, dogs with this condition can still live very happy lives, and I'm going to be just that supportive hooman for my girl, it's just going to be something we'll work out together. Please excuse me just now, I've got a pizza in the oven that's about to start burning and I'm really hungry! Will post more after I've eaten@

 

[Lisa]

So sorry to hear this. But now you know what it is you can make a plan to go forward. Sending hugs. It’s so hard to see our dogs get older….

 

[kateincornwall]

Sorry to read your update my lovely . I`m sure you will be there for your darling girl to help her along the way , big hugs to you both , enjoy your supper xx

 

[edzbird]

You and Joy (GGJ) will get along with this as a pair, together. Partners.

 

[Stacia]

Sorry to read result of consultation. I am sure you and Joy will make the best of it with her supportive human. I used to go walking with a chap who had a blind Poodle, I never knew how she managed but she did very well.

 

[Anne123]

I'm so sorry! But I'm sure GGJ and you will succeed to cope with this!

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I’m sorry to hear you’re worried about your beautiful GGJ and that the news from the specialist wasn’t the best you would have wanted. i know you and GGJ will solve this together, but it’s a lot to digest right now. Hopefully you’ll have a good cuddle, a long talk, and it will get if not easier, but maybe another challenge that you’ll succeed at in your story together.

On the practical side, you CAN be her seeing eye human. Harnesses with longer soft handles (like the one Carbon uses) go both ways, if that makes sense. Also hand signals can be converted into touch signals to tell her which way you are turning or if another dog is approaching.

You‘re going to figure this out