I know this photo will probably make you cringe -- sorry -- but Alayne brought blind Turtle home this afternoon from the vet clinic after her eye surgery. Turtle was blind from uveitis ... something we're more likely to see in our blind horses than in our blind dogs and cats ... and her eyes had remained comfortable until last week, when we noticed some irritation and changes occurring.
Our vet in Helena, Dr. Brenda Culver, did an exam and found that the lenses in both of Turtle's eyes had detached and fallen against the cornea. That's what was causing the irritation and, as it turned out, pain. The eye is such a complex structure and changes in any one part can cause a cascade of other things to happen. That is especially true of an eye disease like uveitis, which triggers inflammation. It's like a house of cards collapsing.
Brenda concluded that the only thing we could do for Turtle to give her relief was remove her eyes, a procedure called enucleation. Brenda did the surgery yesterday. This is always so hard, seeing them come home without eyes. As often as we have had to do it ... in dogs, cats and horses ... it is always a bit startling to see an animal you've known with eyes to suddenly have no eyes. But ultimately we know that they are pain-free, and since they were blind to begin with, that's all they know too ... that the pain is gone.
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Sweet, sweet kitten! I am so glad the vets were able to relieve her pain, that's the most important thing. She's such a pretty girl, even without eyes! It will just look like she's always snoozin'.
Posted by: Heidi and the kitties | February 02, 2007 at 09:24 AM
What a precious face! Glad to hear she is now pain-free!
Posted by: Nina | February 02, 2007 at 08:38 AM
It's great that Turtle is now pain free & had the close attention to get the problem taken care of quickly. That's one of the wonderful things about the RDR! The animals get such premium attention on a constant basis, they always get immediate help for their needs. You are the best!
Big warm hugs,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | February 01, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Hugs to sweet Turtle. She is beautiful.
Posted by: Leigh | February 01, 2007 at 09:25 PM
Dr. Brenda, Steve & Alayne- thank you for your kindness to Turtle. Glad to hear she's mending and will be pain free for a long and loving ranch life!
Posted by: Margaret | February 01, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Thank you for the cat post! As a cat lady, I believe the dogs get WAY too much attention...course the cats in my household probably feel that way too about my dogs...
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | February 01, 2007 at 11:20 AM
It's wise that you reminded us that Turtle doesn't know her eyes are gone, since she was already blind. As you say, the pain is simply gone and I'm sure she'll be feeling better and purrring a new song soon.
Kises to Turtle; I hope she recovers well and quickly!
Posted by: Leilani | February 01, 2007 at 09:30 AM
You all do such amazing work. Our little website has featured your group this month, and will be making a donation at the end of the month! http://pugswithoutborders.typepad.com/
Posted by: Jen | February 01, 2007 at 08:14 AM