When I took Darla in for her eye exam a few weeks ago, I also took Zach for his exam. We knew he was completely blind when he arrived, and based on our own cursory exam and our long experience in observing blind dogs, I didn't think there was much chance of restoring his vision. That turned out to be the case.
In the photo above, our relief ophthalmologist, Dr. Vivian Jamieson, is using the slit lamp while vet tech Patty holds Zach. Dr. Jamieson concluded that Zach had gone blind from Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome, or SARDS. In her write-up on her findings, she wrote: "Unfortunately this is a a permanent retinal condition with no treatment to reverse the blindness. Despite multiple research projects on this condition, our profession has come up with more questions than answers to this condition and we still do not know what the underlying cause is."
The good news is that his eyes are comfortable and, barring the development of any other disease, should stay that way. He is one happy boy who has adjusted well to blindness. What he hasn't adjusted to his new diet, however, and he continues to question why he needs to be on one. Hmm.
Many of us has the same response to a prescribed diet. I'm with ya Zach.
Posted by: Ev | July 11, 2013 at 03:11 PM
Ahhh Sweet Zach!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 11, 2013 at 01:46 AM
SO glad you are back after a well deserved holiday break. While Zach may not be able to have sight, he will have a great life with love, care and compassion. All animals should be so lucky. All the animals who come to you have found a good home for however long they live.
Posted by: Betsy | July 09, 2013 at 07:33 PM
Zach does not need sight to "see" the love that surrounds him. Extra hugs tonight for little Zach. RDF rocks!
Posted by: Mary H./Washington state | July 09, 2013 at 10:48 AM
I agree 100% with Janet. Couldn't have said it better! Zach is in the best place he could possibly be for sure.
Hopefully, he'll acclimate to his diet. You may still get "the look" though :) I tried the green beans with my dogs and they made a face and spit them out. I have heard of many dogs who really like them...just not mine lol. I've also heard that canned pumpkin helps with a diet, it also fills them up.
Posted by: Ann | July 08, 2013 at 11:19 PM
Sorry to hear that, but Zach's a happy boy and we all have to give in to the diet sooner or later! Hope you somehow had some relaxation over the holiday!!
Posted by: Linda | July 08, 2013 at 08:14 PM
As you've always maintained, blind animals are just as happy as sighted animals. He's just a very lucky pup to have found his way to RDF. Thank you for giving them all the best care in the world.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 08, 2013 at 06:34 PM
Well, too bad there's no chance he'll see again, but at least there are the good points you mentioned. I'm afraid he'll never grasp the concept of a diet. It's just foreign to a dog's thinking. "What, not eat as much as you can as often as you can? What kind of silly idea is that?" I've heard that adding green beans to the food can help a dog feel satisfied while consuming fewer calories, but I haven't tried this.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | July 08, 2013 at 06:23 PM
I just re-read Zach's story.... I'm glad he found Rolling Dog Ranch. A few years ago, I had a will/trust completed.... so that my furry kids would be taken care of. I don't care what happens with "my stuff".... but want to make sure that my pups are taken care of.
Posted by: Penny | July 08, 2013 at 05:41 PM