All Systems Go

During our visit to the ophthalmologist the previous week, Wilbur also had his follow-up exam after his lensectomy surgery. The results were great -- Dr. Hoy loved how his eye looked, and he passed all tests with flying colors. I may not be quoting this exactly right, but at one point she said something like, "look how beautiful that retina is!"

Here is Patty holding Wilbur while Dr. Hoy is testing his eye pressure:

The only thing we've noticed Wilbur struggling with is depth perception, because of the absence of the lens. Now that he can see again, Wilbur wants to go exploring inside and outside. Whenever he sees us near a door, he pops up and heads over so he can go out. When he gets to the bottom of the ramp, though, he stops. Even though the vertical drop from the edge of the ramp to the lawn is literally less than two inches, he can't tell how close it is. He goes back and forth along the end of the ramp, trying to figure it out. So we pick him up and help him navigate it, showing him it's shallow enough that he can easily manage it. We'll hold him while we physically walk him off the edge and step down onto the grass. Ironically, this is what we'd do with a blind dog who is hesitant about something, too. A few of these "training sessions" and I think he'll have it.

We will continue to give Wilbur a couple of different eye drops three times a day, and he will have another follow-up exam in a few weeks. But for now, all systems are go! 

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New Round Begins

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Comments

[Kathleen Rivard]

Thanks for the enlightenment, Steve.

[Ann]

Such great news! I'm so glad that Wilbur is doing so well and with all your help, he'll get the hang of navigating around in no time!

[Lisa K. - San Diego]

How nice for you to get to report some good results! We're all really happy about Wilbur.

[Steve Smith / Rolling Dog Farm]

Kathleen, it's the cornea that is the outermost surface and protects the rest of the eye. The lens is inside the cornea. Wilbur still has his cornea. It was surgically opened up so the lens could be removed, but then sutured back in place.

[Tonya Allen]

Glad Wilbur's surgery was successful! He'll figure out how to navigate in no time, especially with you to help him.

[Kathleen Rivard]

What wonderful news for Wilbur! However, I am puzzled how the eye is protected with no lens. Can anyone clue me in? What a cutie!

[Shirley * James/Portland, OR]

Yeah All System to Go!!!!

[Kate & Luke]

Great news for Wilbur! So glad to hear he is feeling sooo much better after all of your loving care and the great medical care your team has provided! Such a happy story!

[Carla Polastro-Nigro]

Such happy news!:-)

Three cheers for Wilbur (and for all the great humans who helped him see again)!!

[Mary H./Washington state]

Extra hugs and love for the Wilbster.
He is such a precious little man. Glad the surgery went well.

[Janet in Cambridge]

Yay for Wilbur and his "beautiful retina." He'll learn to compensate for his depth perception, I'm sure.