Retinal Degeneration

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I took Miko to the vet today for a heartworm test and a general physical by our local vet.

Remember, he was recently at the University of Missouri for his heart ultrasound, teeth cleaning and eye checkup. One of the things they said Miko now has is Retinal Degeneration. they never said anything about how it would progress so I assumed it would be slowly.

Well, today the vet said Miko would probably be blind within 8-12 months and it could be within a few months! What? Why wouldn't the university tell me that?

Does anyone know anything about retinal degeneration?

[Bosley Slave]

First of all DTD, I am soooo sorry that this is happening to poor Miko and you. My heart goes out to Miko, give him a big kiss for me and a snuggle...just tell him it's from another tiny dog lover!

I have a friend with a blind rat terrier and another with a blind cocker, they are both doing very well and most people don't realize they are blind until they take a closer look.

I am assuming it is progressive retinal degeneration. Seems like this is an inheritied issue. I found this website that explains it pretty well:

http://www.veterinaryvision.com/publ...m/retdegen.htm

http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB...00/PR00528.htm

There is also a retinal degeneration as a result of Vit. E. deficiency.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...pt/ai_80532278

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Originally Posted by Bosley Slave

First of all DTD, I am soooo sorry that this is happening to poor Miko and you. My heart goes out to Miko, give him a big kiss for me and a snuggle...just tell him it's from another tiny dog lover!

I have a friend with a blind rat terrier and another with a blind cocker, they are both doing very well and most people don't realize they are blind until they take a closer look.

I am assuming it is progressive retinal degeneration. Seems like this is an inheritied issue. I found this website that explains it pretty well:

http://www.veterinaryvision.com/publ...m/retdegen.htm

http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB...00/PR00528.htm

There is also a retinal degeneration as a result of Vit. E. deficiency.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...pt/ai_80532278

Thanks for the info. I'm just bawling my eyes out! I had no idea this would progress so quickly. There's absolutely no treatment either. The worst thing is that he's also about 90% deaf. What kind of life would that be for him? Deaf and blind? Would he adjust? Is it fair to keep him going that way? I am so confused right now.
I will never be ready to say goodbye to Miko.

[Bosley Slave]

DTD, OMG, I took one look at that loving little face and I burst into tears. I am so sad for Miko. But DTD, I really do believe that Miko is with you for a reason (just like Bosley came to me for a reason) and that reason is WE DON'T GIVE UP! Honey, if he has you (remember smell is a powerful sense) he will be happy even if he can't hear or see. He can feel you, he can feel your loving caress, he can smell you and he will realize that you are with him. I wish I could reach through my computer and give you a hug.

Everytime I read a post like this is really cements something in my heart:
Our time on earth is so short and our time with our beloved pets is even shorter still. Treasure every second that we have with our furbabies.

Kiss, Kiss, Kiss little Miko....Bosley says hang in there!

[Bosley Slave]

How are you and Miko doing this morning DTD?

[BabyElephant]

Debbie dogs adapt very well with losing both sight and sound - you don't have to say goodbye to him just yet. Not only has he got you but he's also got the rest of your gang to rely on. You need to be strong for him as I know you will be. I have some resources for blind and deaf dogs, I'll look them up and post them for you.

I'm sending you a cyberhug and Poppy is sending everybody licks to let them know she cares too.

[fairlight]

Chin up kiddo...my grandmother had a deaf and blind cocker for YEARS (at least 10!) You can start getting your dog used to things in the house....things that you will probably never move such as certain furniture. How old is Miko anyways? I have to strongly agree with the statement "sense of smell" even as infants, the first sense we have is that particular sense. It's alright to hold on to Miko and cry but please Deb remember...this is not a death sentence. A big hug from me, Vanilla, Oso and Uma coming your way. We are ALL your friends in here and we are here to help. Post often and post freely...we'll be here to help, and at times make you laugh.

[kshort49]

Debbie-Miko was sent to you for a special reason-he is a special pup who will need special care, and you were picked to be that special person for him. He loves and trusts you, and nothing can affect that. Maia and I send you hugs and kisses

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Thanks everyone - really! I cried myself to sleep, but reading your posts made me feel better and have some hope. I was just thinking if I would want to live deaf and blind. Never knowing when someone was coming up from behind me.

But, as you mentioned, a dog's sense of smell is very strong. I could always let him sniff my hand before I touched him. I just want to be sure that I don't keep him going longer than what is fair to him (keep him going for me).

He's got so many other things wrong with him (pulmonary hypertension, tracheal collapse, heart murmur, enlarged heart, mitral valve problems). Luckily, he's not showing too many symptoms yet, much to the vet's surprise. He just turned 12 years old. I rescued him when he was 4.

I definately have the patience for a deaf and blind dog. It's my husband I'm not sure about.

Thank you all again for giving me hope. You're the best!

[weezyNollie]

You can also use vibration to communicate with a deaf/blind dog. Like stomping on the floor to let him know where you are, etc. And of course sense of smell, if you want to call him to you use a little cheese/meat something that smells good! If you know he's going to be losing sight, you can start these types of training with him now, so it'll carry over when he begins losing his sight.

I'm sure you'll decide whether he seems like he handling life without his sight/hearing. You'd be surprised how well dogs can adapt to things. Plus, if he's had his eyesight this whole time, then he'll know his surroundings just fine. Just don't move the furniture, lol .

Keep your chin up, he's going through a lot, but as long as he still puts a smile on and wags his tail it's okay. Just continue all your supportive therapy/care, a little TLC, and (who knows) you may be surprised how far it will take you! You said yourself he's not showing signs of many of his disorders.

...<Hugs to Miko>...