Our vet Dr. Brenda Culver came out today for our annual health exam and vaccination day for the dogs and cats. Brenda hadn't seen blind Madison before, so she did an eye exam as part of Madison's complete physical. The very first thing we noticed gave us that "ohmigosh" feeling -- Madison's pupils dilated as soon as the light from Brenda's slit lamp hit them. It's called a pupillary light reflex, or PLR, and means her retinas are detecting the light coming in. And that indicates it's possible she may be able to see behind those cataracts. It would just be amazing if we actually had two blind dogs in one year who could have their vision restored!
But before we get too excited (it's hard not to!), the next step is the electroretinogram, or ERG, to determine the degree of retinal function. Since Brenda now has her own ERG machine, we can do that test in Helena, like we did for Charlie. So we'll get that scheduled in the next week or two. Please keep your fingers crossed!
I took the photo of Brenda examining Madison while Alayne held her. If Alayne looks like her hat is covered in hay ... well, it is! We were just finishing barn chores when Brenda arrived at 9:30 this morning, and thus we brought a little hay and other barnyard accessories along for the small animal exams. Brenda didn't leave until 7 p.m., so it was a very long day -- but everyone got their exams and shots!
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Still No. 1!
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Wow....the potential for another eye sight miracle is there!!! Here's hoping that Madison can shed those cataracts!! Would love to give her a big hug!
Posted by: Nina | October 13, 2009 at 06:26 PM
Wow, and I was glad to just get one of my girls in for routine vaccination updates yesterday. What an awesome day to have new hopes for Madison! We're all "crossed" too! Wishing only good things. :)
Posted by: Margaret | October 13, 2009 at 05:07 PM
This could be incredible news for Madison! We hope she's a candidate, keep us posted. You're new house girl may have more reason to celebrate. :)
Posted by: Boundforglory | October 13, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Wow! Do I dare to hope? She's beautiful no matter what, & a good hugging size, so I'm going to love her no matter what! I do hope that her sight will be returned to her, naturally, but I know that sometimes things just don't work out.
So glad that all the small animals got treated in one day! That's no small feat! Congrats!
Big hugs & hope,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & the critters | October 13, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Oh my, I am giddy w/ excitement. I can't control it. That would be the ultimate if she would be able to see & like you said what an awesome thing that 2 dogs would be able to see w/in weeks of each other. I can't wait to find out the results. I keep praying & keeping all fingers & toes crossed. Only will uncross fingers to comment here & vote.
How awesome Brenda can come to RDR & get everyone taken care of in one, long day! But, what a great feeling to know all are done in one fell swoop!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | October 13, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Two miracles in a year--I'll take it!! This is beyond exciting! Madison you are so special--well, again aren't they all!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | October 13, 2009 at 01:10 PM
I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed for Madison.. I just love her face I want to cover it in kisses!!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | October 13, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Well, you can just forget about the not getting excited stuff! I can't control myself!!!! Good Lord, isn't there an appt available today????? lol
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | October 13, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Fingers, toes, and everything else crossed for Madison! Its going to be torture waiting another 2 weeks to hear the news! How's Charlie doing?
Posted by: Aliza | October 13, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Fingers, toes, eyes---anything we can cross is crossed!!!
Posted by: Colleen Vermillion | October 13, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Hey there ya go. Madison WAS watching the Campfire TV from the earlier post.
Posted by: Eric | October 13, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Wouldn't it be great if Madison could see the scenery whizzing by as she rides in the RTV? (or whatever the correct initials are... farm acronyms confuse me!)
Heck, I'm still excited for Charlie.
How is Helen doing?
Posted by: Lynne | October 13, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Fingers crossed for good news. You're so right, Steve...it's hard NOT to be excited at the possibility!!
Posted by: Debbie | October 13, 2009 at 07:39 AM
I'll pray for her. I hope your efforts are being paid by her eyes. She is charming and adorable.
Posted by: Game zubehor | October 13, 2009 at 05:10 AM
This is awsome...It would be great if she really could see the people who gave her such a warm home,but it probally would not matter to her she already knows that!What a full day it must be giving all the exams,hope all went well and everyone happy and healthy!
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | October 13, 2009 at 01:28 AM
Oh that would be SO fantastic for Madison!! I first met her at the Meridian Shelter and she was a heart stealer then. I am soo happy for her that you guys all found each other =) !! My fingers and toe's are crossed!
Posted by: Amy M | October 12, 2009 at 11:23 PM
I'm glad all the exams went well. It is amazing that Dr. Culver and you two were able to get thru all of the small animals in a day. Wouldn't it be great if Madison could get rid of those cataracts and see again. Wow. I'll keep my fingers crossed for her. Heck. I'll bet she is just happy to be inside the people house and getting some extra people time.
Posted by: Ev | October 12, 2009 at 10:41 PM