He has cataracts in one of his eyes, I am aware that it wont be long till he goes blind. Does this mean that he is going to leave me pretty soon? Please help.
2007-02-15 09:09:53 · 13 answers · asked by ♥April♥ 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Whoa there.Cataracts in dogs are treated in the exact way they are in humans.Given surgery there is a good chance that your dog will see again.His vision will not be perfect due to scarring of the retina
but he will have a good degree of vision.
And no.Even if you had a blind dog that is not reason enough to have him put down because he can still enjoy a good quality of life given that he is in a familiar and loving environment.
2007-02-15 09:16:19 · answer #1 · answered by bearbrain 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Eight years old is fairly young for a poodle, they are a long lived breed. It's not uncommon for them to live to 15 or 17 years.
Eye problems have nothing to do with how long your poodle is going to live. Take him to the vet for an opinion. Some cataracts take a long long time to develop to the point where he can't see. And surgery can be done to help him.
Don't feel so badly, there is a lot that can be done for him, I'm sure. And if he should become blind, he can function very well. There are plenty of blind pet dogs who are just as happy as can be. They adapt remarkably well and can live perfectly normal lives.
2007-02-15 09:53:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a yellow lab with cataracts in her eye, and that eye did go blind. She was about 9 when she got it, but lived until she was 12. My cat, Pooky, got the same eye troubles when he was 10 and died at 14 or 16. When an animal gets cataracts, it's usally pretty old. The disease doesn't make them die faster but blinds them in one or both eyes. Your poodle will live to be 12-14, most dogs do. So when a dog gets catracts it just means it's an old dog. If he goes blind in both eyes, not one, make sure to keep a constant watch on him. Supervise him when he goes out and secure him in a safe room when you are out. No dangerous things should be left in her reach. I hope this helps.
-Amyth74
2007-02-15 09:27:03 · answer #3 · answered by amyth74 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is a mini and doesnt have any other health issues, he may live for another 10 years. If he is a standard he may live for another 5 years. Just coz he is going blind in one eye doesnt mean his quality of life is going too. Dogs who go blind naturally can adapt and live good lives, they learn quickly where everything is and he will still love you but do a little research into living with a blind dog eg dont move furniture around, talk to him as you touch him then pick him up.
2007-02-15 10:24:55 · answer #4 · answered by Big red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi sorry to hear your little dog has eye trouble but just because he has cataracts and he is in good health for an 8yr old poodle doesnt mean he will leave you pretty soon.just because he wont see you much longer doesnt mean that you should just give up on him.he is not old old and as long as you keep taking good care of him and watch over him,talk to him constantly,pet him,give him lots of tlc and dont ever abandon him and pay a visit to your licenceed vet for a phyical for him once in while then you should be together for lots lots longer.take care of your little dog he needs you and deserves your love and attenion
2007-02-15 09:37:37 · answer #5 · answered by majella h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cataracts are not a death sentence! Yikes...I have them too!!!
Your poodle may only be about half way through his assignment with you! Call your vet and ask about treatments. If there are none suited for your dog, he can still live a long life. Things may be fuzzy, but he will persevere!
2007-02-15 09:20:20 · answer #6 · answered by Bev 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just because a dog has cataracts doesn't mean he is going to die. My dad's dog had cataracts, so he couldn't see and he had no teeth but he lived to be 19 years old.
Your dog has quite a few years left.
2007-02-15 12:13:00 · answer #7 · answered by lacyjean1516 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have cataract surgery for your dog and he won't be blind... and no that is not the end even if he is blind. small dogs live long lives. talk to your vet about this.
2007-02-15 09:46:51 · answer #8 · answered by katie d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't get your cart a head of your horse,so to speak......they can treat cataracts in dogs....I had a dachshund that developed cancer when she was ten...had two major surgeries and she lived till she was 18..in good shape........
I have a little girl who is Pekinese/Dachshund mix...she can't hear ...but that is her only problem and she is 15......( I also have two other younger Dachshunds)
Don't look for your little guy to kick over anytime soon...take him to the vet and they can help his eyes........
2007-02-15 09:28:57 · answer #9 · answered by LeftField360 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry - even if he does go blind, he's still got anywhere from 2 to 10 years left of happy healthy life!
2007-02-15 09:17:28 · answer #10 · answered by margarita 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋