Better news for Kiwi ... she's home and finicky (and MEAN!)

[Getupngo]

I took Kiwi to the vet today ... and what I thought was an eye infection turns out to be acute glaucoma. The doc told me she has already lost sight in that eye and it is causing her terrible pain. So we made the decision to remove the eye tomorrow.

Just writing that takes my breath away.

I am so sad, but I know the net effect will be that she's out of pain because she has already lost sight in that eye. She will just have a perpetual "wink." There is no glaucoma in the other eye, but it's not in good shape either. She will still need to have eyedrops twice a day for the rest of her life. And I need to take her to an eye $peciali$t.

What I keep asking myself is how I could have missed this. I vow to be more attentive and pay attention to changes in behavior. I'm feeling like not a very good doggie mommie.

[Liz]

You're a very good mommy. Nothing wrong with a permanent wink as long as Kiwi is pain free & happy.

[mitch5252]

..
You're a fine Mommy! How were you to know?
I never knew until I read your post that dogs can get glaucoma.
By posting, I'll bet you'll make a bunch of Mommies more vigilant, myself included.
Good luck tomorrow.

..

[sharon]

Unlike us wimpy hoomans, animals can hide pain very well, and who knows just how much pain she was in? Quit beatin' yer self up and go from here. 'Sides, you've been busy stepping in puddles of pee. Just put a black patch over her missing eye and tell folks you rescued her from a deranged pirate. She'll be fine and adjust to it in no time. Any idea just how you're supposed to check for glaucoma in a dog? The optometrist uses a fancy machine of some kind.

[Getupngo]

Sharon, that was JUST what I needed. I'll start making one RIGHT NOW.

Deranged pirates ... what a HOOT.

[retiredhappy]

Hugs and pats to Kiwi. She'll do fine with one eye. My mom had a poodle that was completely blind for many years.

[VickieP]

I know this is hard for you, but like the others said, it is not your fault, you are a good Mommy. Kiwi has already adjusted to only seeing with one eye, so she will be fine. I have to put medicine in Weatherby's eyes every night. When Remi was a pup he and Weatherby would play rough. Weatherby stayed at 16lbs and Remi grew to 75 so we found out that Weatherby got scratches on his eyes and as they healed, the blood vessels would, I don't know, like grow new ones, if that makes sense, but anyway they continue to grow sprouts (?). Anyway every night after his "happy" pill, I sit in the chair and he comes running over and stands up on my leg for his eye medicine and he's told what a good boy he is. Hopefully Kiwi will look forward to his special attention too.

[OutandAbout]

Kiwi will be just fine.Our fur babies adjust far better then we humans do. As long as she is no longer in pain, that's what matters. I foresee a drawer full of patches for Kiwi, depending on her mood and what holiday she is celebrating. Possibly a flamingo patch for GTG? Linda

[Getupngo]

Well, Kiwi is out of surgery and the doctor said it went well. I've been so unsettled all day, knowing there was a chance she might not make it off the table.

The doc examined the eye afterward and said the glaucoma was caused by a severe cataract ... and that she had been in a lot of pain. I don't know for how long. But I expect I'll get my bouncy, sassy little girl back.

It's hard being responsible for older dogs. They don't come to you and tell you that they are in pain ... I need to do better watching out for behavior changes and the like. They can be subtle, over time. It's hard to tell if they're just slowing down or not well.

So I think I'll have both dogs on the mend, for a while. What a blessing.

[Bethers]

Kiwi isn't upset with you - so you quit beating yourself up also! And now that Kiwi is going to be feeling better and better - you'll not have time to dwell on it. You are a very good Mommy. Now, we want pics of the pirate cat! You think she'll be willing to wear a patch?

[BarbaraRose]

Now, we want pics of the pirate cat! You think she'll be willing to wear a patch?

Isn't Kiwi a dog?

[VickieP]

Now, we want pics of the pirate cat! You think she'll be willing to wear a patch?

Isn't Kiwi a dog?

Yeah, she's a doggie!

[Nasoosie]

Thanks for the update---I've been wondering about the little pirate doggie, and your worrying about her surgery. Pictures will be very welcome! Hug her for us all.

[carold]

YEA!!!! Good news. My Mom lost an eye and wore patches. Some were serious and others were fun-like a red one with sequins for going out She eventually got a glass eye. I sure did miss those patches carold

[Getupngo]

Well, Kiwi's back home with stitches and a rather startling look.



But the good news is that when she got home, she was hungry (I treated her with chicken breast), and she immediately went outside and peed & pooped -- so all systems are GO (so to speak). The stitches come out in two weeks. I wonder how long it will take for the swelling to go down.

The other good news is that her head and tail are up, and she's resuming her attitude! Nice to have her back. Life will be better for her now.

I've decided that when her hair in front grows back, I'm going to give her one of those bi-level haircuts -- kinda punked on the right, and a sweeping bang across the left.