In June 2007, my cat was diagnosed with secondary glaucoma. We have been treating it ever since. According to her ophthalmologist, we are doing everything we can with the medication--no other combinations of medicine are possible to treat the glaucoma, but, eventually, she will stop responding to the meds and the glaucoma will take whatever vision she has left. During all this, she developed a corneal ulcer (its like a cold sore on your eye), which we treat as the ophthalmologist prescribes, but the ulcer comes back every two weeks or so. Her regular vet is recommending removing the eye. I know the medications, pain, and vet trips are taking a toll on her, but if she still has vision, is it better to continue treating all of these so she can see with two eyes, or have the eye removed? She won't be in pain and constantly being medicated if the eye is gone, but I'm concerned how she will react with only having the one eye. Has anyone else had a pet in this situation? Thanks!
2007-12-07 07:15:04 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
We had a horse that had a similar thing and we finally had the eye removed, He was better then ever and since he was not in pain anymore he was much happier. We was a pony horse at the race track for years with only one eye and lived for a long time like that. It never seemed to effect him. At first he had to get use to it but after a while he was fine. And I was glad he was not in constant pain anymore. I would have the eye removed so she can live a pain free life. At least if she where my cat I would. But no more out door trips, only on a leash! Good luck
2007-12-07 07:24:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A co-worker is going through this right now with their Cocker Spaniel dog. The dog hates getting the medications and there's pressure on the eye, she isn't doing well. I think they're going to just have the eye removed, the dog has been through so much with the bad eye, I'm sure that will be a relief. They're trying to budget for the operation.
I'd recommend removal of the eye, unless the vet can guarantee that there'll be good use from it once the treatments are done (which isn't likely with glaucoma). A cat can do very well with only one eye. But she should be completely indoors, as she's considered handicapped with this.
2007-12-07 13:09:18 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've done everything you possibly can for her and have been diligent in your quest for a better life for her but since you have it on good authority that the eye condition isn't going to go away then i think the kindest thing you can do for her is to have the eye removed. I know it sounds such a drastic measure but what are her options? Being fed medication several times a day, having creams and potions put in her eye only for the end result to be the one thing you're putting off. I can fully understand your reasons for putting it off, its a difficult one, but it will be best for her to not be in pain etc etc. She'll manage just fine without it, the way she adapts to losing her eye will amaze you i'm sure. My step-fathers cat was run over and lost her front leg and although it was heart-breaking to watch her straight after the amputation she adapted so well to having three legs she became a bit of a local celeb ha ha and still did all the things she used to do with four legs such as chasing birds and climbing trees! Go ahead and book the op, you won't regret it and neither will she. You also need a pat on the back for devoting so much love, time and money on your cat, well done.
2007-12-07 08:39:17 · answer #3 · answered by misstraceyrick 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If i were in the same situation as you i would have the eye removed. It will have to be removed at some point anyway so why prolong the suffering when you can have it done now. A cat can live properly with one eye and it dosnt look to bad.
2007-12-08 01:05:03 · answer #4 · answered by connies mummy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I gave five thumbs up for answerers so far. I would definitely remove the eye.
The only consideration would be if the cat is active outside. With only one eye depth perception is not good.
2007-12-07 07:40:23 · answer #5 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i rescue cats and kittens. i have dealt with this twice. one cat had one eye removed and one kitten had to have both eyes removed eventually. the one eyed cat is still as happy as can be an full of life and love. sadly a year and a half after the kitten had her eyes removed, she died of congestive heart failure. but while she lived she constantly amazed me because she never acted blind. animals dont respond to the loss of sight or limbs in the same way humans do...they just accept it and go on with life. for them, it is the quality of their life that counts, not the wholeness of their body. if they have food, shelter and love...they hve no other needs in their minds. it is us who have the need to see that they have the medical care.
i would have the eye removed. secondary glaucome does not just look terrible...it causes the cat to have migraine like pain. once the eye is removed and the healing begins, the cats joy of life will return.
2007-12-07 07:33:52 · answer #6 · answered by Tammy M 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I dont know how your cat will react with only having one eye, but if will put her out of pain, then do it.
Even in her situation, you should do what will keep her fealing better. Cats are fast learners though, so i wouldnt think it would take very long for your cat to adjust.
2007-12-07 07:25:19 · answer #7 · answered by drewnannii 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
remove the eye ,she will be fine with one,but remeber when you go near her dont just pick her up give her time to see you ,keep inside till fully recovered
2007-12-07 07:41:43 · answer #8 · answered by sky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you are doing is commendable, but I think you are only delaying the inevitable. You would be surprised at how adaptable animals are, she'll be fine.
2007-12-07 07:27:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i say you should remove the eye. if the doctor recommends it then you should. shell look fine with one. good luck on your decison.
2007-12-07 07:24:13 · answer #10 · answered by shawn_d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋