After a full battery of eye tests last week, we learned that we will be able to restore blind Darla's vision! Yes, her retinas are working just fine behind her mature cataracts. In the photo above, vet tech Rachel is holding Darla during the all-important electroretinogram (ERG) test, which determines how well the retinas are functioning.
With each successive step in the exam process, the news was good, but in the end it all came down to the ERG results. This is a screenshot showing one of the wave patterns generated during her test -- and it's that initial dip, followed by an immediate peak, on the far left we're looking for:
It can take a while for the wave pattern to assume it's final and definitive shape, which seems like an excruciatingly long wait even though it isn't. Because we're testing rods and cones in each eye, there are four of these individual tests to do. But finally, all were done and it was clear Darla would be a candidate for cataract surgery!
Dr. Jamieson will be doing the surgery in mid-July, so we have a few weeks to go before this girl will be able to see again -- but see she will!
Here again, the news overall was good -- all of her organs looked fine. Her bloodwork came back with some elevated liver values, so Tanya will be starting Darla on liver support medications in the meantime and we will recheck in a few weeks.
After a full day in veterinary clinics, Darla was one happy girl to get back to the farm!
Darla will always touch my heart. From the time i met her here in gaylord michigan. i knew she was a loving dog just needed someone to give her a chance. You do such wonderful work, may god always watch out for you. She was alot like my lab-brittany i lost after the first of the yr. Darla reminds me of her over and over from her sitting in the chair to the rolling over and letting you rub her belly. Darla was fun we took her for walks and play with her for hours when she was at the animal shelter we volunteer at. thanks for the updates, yu do amazing work.
Posted by: Donald payne | July 11, 2013 at 10:39 PM
Great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Andre | June 24, 2013 at 03:08 PM
I was very happy to read that Darla can have surgery to restore her sight. You are like the east coast version of Best Friends - getting proper medical care to those that need it.
Posted by: Nancy Yarmac | June 23, 2013 at 08:11 AM
What a blessing that Darla came to you, in more ways than one. I am so very happy that it's possible for her to have sight again! I can only imagine what a wonderful day that will be and thank you for all you do.
Posted by: Kathy Greene | June 19, 2013 at 10:22 AM
Fantastic news!!! What drugs are used to support liver function and will she have to be on them forever? Did you tell Darla the good news about her eyes? :) :)
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | June 18, 2013 at 12:27 PM
That's just fantastic!So happy for Darla!
Posted by: Brian | June 18, 2013 at 12:10 PM
Awesome, happy, wonderful news!!!
Posted by: Linda | June 18, 2013 at 10:51 AM
What wonderful news!! I'm so happy and excited for Darla! What a wonderful gift you are giving her...now she will be able to see the faces of you and Alayne, who have taken her into your lives and home. A very happy time for all!
Posted by: Ann | June 18, 2013 at 12:33 AM
We would like to encourage all to send in a donation no matter how small. We know you run 100% on the kindness of those who donate. This must be expensive.
OMG--we are so happy she ended up at RDF. This is amazing and beyond wonderful news!Thanks again for the great news about Darla!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | June 17, 2013 at 11:14 PM
On the blog site, the pic of you and Alayne with Goldie in Montana pops up right next to the pic of Darla. It really is amazing how much Darla looks like Goldie! No wonder you have a extra-special soft spot for this sweet girl. Imagine the joy she will feel when she can see again! Such a wonderful happily ever after for a girl who really deserves it.
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle and Moxie the Kitty | June 17, 2013 at 09:30 PM
Yay Darla, you go girl!!! Thanks, Steve and Alayne!
Posted by: Leila K. - Western WA | June 17, 2013 at 08:48 PM
Great news. Believe that Darla already has her recuperation spot picked out. She knows just the chair to relax in while on the mend. resistance is futile.
Posted by: Bob | June 17, 2013 at 06:46 PM
That's great news! I'm so happy for Darla. She looks like a very well-behaved patient, too. And you may be able to break the news to her about Your Chair, once she can see your gestures and body language. :)
Posted by: Tonya Allen | June 17, 2013 at 04:31 PM
FANTASTIC NEWS FOR DARLA! I am smiling thinking about the adventures she will have and the stories you may share with us. Rolling Dog Farm rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mary H./Washington state | June 17, 2013 at 01:10 PM
The gift of Sight!!! And what a wonderful gift you are giving her. And what a fabuluous group of vets and vet assistants you must work with!!! Hurray for Darla!
Posted by: Penny | June 17, 2013 at 12:56 PM
What great news for Darla and for you. She has such a sweet beautiful face. You just want to give it a kiss, which I bet you did after her appointment! She is one pretty girl.
Posted by: Betsy | June 17, 2013 at 12:41 PM
What wonderful news, indeed. and something tells me that even once Darla has her sight, she will not be adoptable as she has found her forever Dad already. Some dogs are just meant to be keepers. What a lucky dog she is! Can't wait for a surgery update next month.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | June 17, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Great news. How exciting for Darla!
Posted by: D | June 17, 2013 at 12:12 PM
Hot diggity dog Darla will see again!
Posted by: Miranda Brooks | June 17, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Awesome news!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | June 17, 2013 at 11:59 AM
excellent news
Posted by: Ev | June 17, 2013 at 11:24 AM
What a great way to start the week...and to start a new life for Darla :)
Posted by: addie | June 17, 2013 at 11:16 AM
What WONDERFUL news! She'll no longer be called "Blind Darla", and I'll bet will enjoy the wonderful view from your chair!
Posted by: Margaret | June 17, 2013 at 10:49 AM
*Excellent* news.....hurrah for Darla!!! Great news xox
Posted by: Valerie | June 17, 2013 at 10:38 AM
There could NOT be a better way to start the week! So happy and excited for Darla and all the adventures she will be having with her eyesight restored.
Thank you again to everyone involved in giving Darla this next chapter in her life.
Posted by: Chloe | June 17, 2013 at 10:23 AM
What a happy start to the week--Darla will see again! I look forward to the post of her first reactions to regaining her sight. Steve and Alayne, you are wonderful.
Posted by: Jan in Winnipeg, MB | June 17, 2013 at 09:24 AM