The story of my, now blind, best mate, Jack
Discussion
TrophyMax said:
What a cracking dog and owner.
One question, how do you tell when he's asleep?
Thanks again for all the kind comments, it makes me appreciate what I have with Jack even more.One question, how do you tell when he's asleep?
Well, he's quite a light sleeper anyway, always 'ready' if he hears me move. He is generally in the same room as me at all times. So will follow me from room to room even if he was having a kip. He probably loves my Mrs even more than me now, they have a GREAT bond too. Even though she has only been in his life for last couple of years.
What is a little sad though, is when he dreams. If you think about it, he can 'see' in his dream. And I can tell he is running and barking at whatever hot thing he is dreaming about. And then when he wakes up he can't see.
However, to put it in perspective for us humans, and as I'm sure you all know, dogs primary senses are their smell, and their hearing. Sight is pretty low down the list really. So whilst doing my research about blind dogs, and speaking to the canine eye specialist, a dog losing their sight, would be equivalent to a human losing their sense of smell.
So it's a slight issue, but not the end of the world.
Fantastic moving story, you made me think hard about our eldest dog and how we are dealing with her in her dotage.
balders118 said:
Amazing story and what an awesome little pooch you have! My respect to you as well. Could I ask what caused the issues with his eyes in the first place?
Of course.Jack dislodged the lens in his right eye. We think that he did this while shaking a toy, or generally running around like a lunatic. Glaucoma then set in to his eye and therefore had to be removed.
The vet did advise us that if one eye gets it, then it's likely his other eye will, within two years.
It was pretty much on the two year mark that he lost the other eye.
I think I'm right in saying though, that Glaucoma can affect any dog, regardless of whether they dislodge the lens. And it's just 'one of those things'.
Thanks again for the kind comments everyone.
Hythan said:
Jack dislodged the lens in his right eye. We think that he did this while shaking a toy, or generally running around like a lunatic. Glaucoma then set in to his eye and therefore had to be removed.
Worrying how easy it can be done, mine can shake her head with such violence it worries me she'll hurt herself! Terrier trait I guess!
Thought I would pop in here and say hello with Jack as it's been almost a year since I put this up!
Jack has liver disease
the exact type of liver disease, and available treatments is as of yet unknown. An ultrasound has taken place and confirmed that the liver is in poor condition, but only a biopsy will tell us what we're dealing with.
Jack has next to no symptoms. With this, he will just suddenly become quite ill, and when that happens, he'll be rushed straight in.
He should be having a biopsy with a new bit of kit at the vets before Christmas, so fingers crossed it's not as bad as it could be.
For now though, he's still his normal, happy self.
Here he is patiently waiting for Santa to arrive.... (all together now, AHHHHHHHHHHHHH)
Jack has liver disease
the exact type of liver disease, and available treatments is as of yet unknown. An ultrasound has taken place and confirmed that the liver is in poor condition, but only a biopsy will tell us what we're dealing with.Jack has next to no symptoms. With this, he will just suddenly become quite ill, and when that happens, he'll be rushed straight in.
He should be having a biopsy with a new bit of kit at the vets before Christmas, so fingers crossed it's not as bad as it could be.
For now though, he's still his normal, happy self.
Here he is patiently waiting for Santa to arrive.... (all together now, AHHHHHHHHHHHHH)
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