Our blind Husky Mitch was patient No. 3 for our veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Sarah Hoy, last week. His eyes had become uncomfortable the previous week and I had started treating them with some topical medications, but after initial improvement I began to lose ground again. So I thought it was time for Mitch to see Dr. Hoy for a thorough eye exam. It turns out that was a very good thing, because he now has uveitis. When he first came to us, he had a simple case of PRA, or progressive retinal atrophy, which is typically not painful. Uveitis is, however, very painful. Ironically, it's something we've seen much more in our blind horses over the years than in our blind dogs -- it's the leading cause of blindness in horses.
In these photos Dr. Hoy is using her slit-lamp to examine Mitch's eyes while her vet tech Amy holds the big furry boy still:
As is often the case with painful, blind eyes, we made the decision to enucleate, or remove, Mitch's eyes to give him permanent relief. He will be having surgery on Tuesday this week, along with little Wilbur.
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Mitch is going to feel so much better without the eye pain. Good luck and quick recovery Mitch!
Posted by: Leslie | March 13, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Sending good vibes and thoughts to Mitch and Wilbur. How nice it will be that there will be no more pain and that they'll feel so much better!
Posted by: Ann | March 13, 2012 at 12:35 AM
I have always treasured my vision. I cant think of life with out sight...but you have showed me that it is only one part of life. I hope I never go blind, but now I know there are worse things than being blind. What a very handsome dog Mitch is. I hope he revels in his new pain free life. He and Wilbur can swap surgery stories and re discover what their noses are really all about. Bless them both with speedy recoveries.
Posted by: Anne in FL | March 12, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Ditto what Mary H said.
Big hugs all around,
ginger & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | March 12, 2012 at 06:38 PM
I was worried to see the same posting on the blog for many days when I saw your post today. No wonder you have been so busy. I hope the surgeries go well and both dogs have a speedy recovery. I'll be thinking good thoughts for all of you.
Posted by: Betsy | March 12, 2012 at 05:00 PM
It looks like Amy is taking a big bite of Mitch in that first photo - - must be a love-bite! Get well soon, boys.
Posted by: Philippa Rhue | March 12, 2012 at 03:29 PM
Two surgeries on Tuesday - hopefully it's the two-for-one discount! We will be pulling for both dogs to come out feeling much better!!
Posted by: Linda Murphy | March 12, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Mitch is going to feel so much better than he thought he could with the pain gone. Extra cyber hugs going to Mitch and the Wilbster as they have their surgeries.
Posted by: Mary H./Washington state | March 12, 2012 at 09:48 AM
This means I'll be keeping Wilbur AND Mitch in my thoughts and prayers!
A big hug to you all from Italy.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | March 12, 2012 at 05:50 AM
Mitch---Aunt Shirley LOVES you!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | March 11, 2012 at 11:28 PM
It's always good to see that handsome devil, Mitch, although I wish it were under happy circumstances. The happy part must be that Mitch will soon feel lots better than he does now. Good decision, folks. Best get-well wishes to both patients.
Posted by: Moon Rani | March 11, 2012 at 10:53 PM
What a precious, beautiful boy!
Hang in there, Mitch...only two more days and you will be on the road to pain free!!!
Posted by: Glenda | March 11, 2012 at 10:08 PM
Oh goodness... thank you for letting us know and for taking such good care of Mitch. He's one of my favorites.
I'll be thinking about him and Wilbur and hoping for a speedy recovery for both guys!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | March 11, 2012 at 09:33 PM