Friday, November 20, 2009

Eye Doctor Follow Up



Penny went to the eye specialist today. We were told that due to
her eyes looking normal under the lights they use, her sudden
blindness is likely due to SARD (Sudden Acquired Retinal
Degeneration). It's a disease that causes sudden loss
of vision. There is also a very small chance the
medication she was taking caused her to lose
her vision. She could also have a
neurological problem such as a
brain tumor. The doctor said
it is more likely she has
SARD than a tumor, but
we are going back on
Monday for a more
extensive eye
scan.

We will be able to tell whether or not this is
SARD after the scan. If the test comes back
normal, we will have to follow up with a
neurologist.

No one wants their animal to have any of the following, but SARD
is better than a tumor. With SARD, she will be blind permanently,
but she will live a normal life once she adapts to it. I am
hoping for the best, but also keeping it in the back of
my mind that I may be faced with the worst. I'll
let everyone know the results of her
test on Monday.

For a pug than just lost her vision, she is already starting to
adapt. She is learning how to see without sight, and she seems
less upset than she has been over the last few days. I have
begun to proof our condo. She tends to run into the same
objects, so I am padding everything up. This way, if
she hits her face or eyes, she won't hurt herself.
This is the first time I have ever cared for a
furry child that is blind, so I am learning
just as she is.

I have also had to come up with new command words.
This helps her know when something is
approaching, or she is about to
bump into it.

Penny is resting comfortably right now. She went
to Starbucks today. I thought it would only be
fair that she receive a treat for everything
she is going through. She couldn't see,
but she knew exactly where we were
as we approached the drive-thru
window and she got her cup of
whipped cream!

14 comments:

Sandra y Coco Pug said...

Hi I just posted a comment on the previous post but didn't notice there was an update. I really hope it is only an eye problem. She will do fine and you will be amazed at how she "knows" where things are (and how she knows when you are approaching certain places too). I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

We are so sad to hear what is going on with Penny's eye sight. My older dog goes to the eye dr for sight issues and it is hard to try to get them not to bump into things sometimes. I will let you know she has amazing hearing...better than my younger pug. We think that helps to compensate. We are all praying that Penny pulls through and if you need anything we are here to support you and her. Take care.


Jenn Sequoia and Petunia

Stubby said...

Hi Dana & Penny! What can I say except I know you guys will figure things out and get through this. I'm keeping my paws crossed that Penny doesn't have a brain tumor and that it's only her eyes.

No one wants their puggy to lose their eyesight, but I know that Penny will be able to live a normal life without being able to see. She proved that at Starbucks, didn't she?

Coco will show Penny the ropes, won't you Coco? And the rest of us will be close by to lead her around when she gets confused.

Stubby xoxo

Pee-s: I mentioned you on my bloggy today.

Archie and Melissa said...

hi dana and penny
oh i am sending you huge hugs. you two are our heros with your positive energy. i am sending more right back to you and know that penny will be happy and well in any situation because she has you. puggies are amazing in all the life lessons they teach us. penny is a teacher and the whippy cream is a bright gold star on her forehead for doing such a wonderful job.
please let me know if you need anything at all.

love
melissa and emmitt

Becky said...

Didn't see this post either, so I left you a note on the previous post. Praying for good news on Monday. Animals adjust much better to these situations than humans in my opinion. Much love to you and Penny!

Harry Pugalicious said...

We are happy to hear Penny has already started adjusting to her situation and hope that her test come back showing that she doesn't have a tumor.

Sending Penny hugs and kisses,

Harry P. and his Mom

Salinger The Pug said...

It's NOT a tumor!

(We're quoting Aaaahnold here, but we have a good feeling about it too!)

Thanks so much for the update Dana...I hate hearing this news about Penny, but I think Coco is a big inspiration here!

Please keep the updates coming!

Love,

S-Dog

P.S. Penny is still SEXY, with our without eyesight!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi
this is your new friend Tweedles.
I wanted to let you know we are sending good thoughts and wished and doggie prayers for Penny.
You sound like an amazing mom, and Penny sounds like an amazing
pug.
we send love and hope
tweedles

Mia said...

I'm so sorry Dana. Please let us know what the doctor says on Monday. While not all of us have experience with a blind pug, we are all here for you if you need us. Give Penny kisses and hugs for us.

Jess & Lilo

Kelly said...

Dana & Penny, I just wanted to stop by and offer some love to you two!

I know this must be devestating for you.

As others have told you, dogs can lead amazingly normal lives without vision. They are SO much more resilient than humans, and they don't understand what it means to feel sorry for themselves. Please go visit Sandra & Coco's blog- I think it will encourage you.

My prayers are headed your way as you adjust to this and try to figure out what's causing Penny's blindness.

Love, Pearl

Nevis said...

I'm with Salinger's Mom....it's NOT A TUMOR! ***hugs*** You and Penny-boo are in our thoughts & prayers!

Anonymous said...

I found you through Winston. I am sorry about what is happening! My fingers are crossed that is a SARD over a tumor.

I think Penny needs an extra shot of whip cream!

xoxo
Gus, Indy and Lex

Pug(s) and Bugg said...

Maybe Coco and Penny could date? They are both incredibly brave puggies!!!! Definitely look to Sandra for support- she's an amazing person and great mom to Coco. HUGS and can't wait to hear an update.

Winston Wilbur said...

Penny this is hard news to hear (or rather read). But if you loose your sight and it isn't life threatening I feel a little tiny more at ease knowing that. We will be waiting for the updates. In the meantime you know that we puggies are here for you at any time. And yes, Pug and Bug are so right, Sandra is a great one to talk to for advice should you need it. Makes one feel better knowing there is another puggie who lost his sight too. Keeping paws and tails crossed that this turns out ok and the sight returns.

Hugs Winston and Lise