11 weeks after cruciate surgery and cataract surgery this week!

my last post was just before I visited Veterinary Vision in Penrith, to see what the options were in terms of his sight.  It was a hard day (for me).  After an ultrasound scan and some tests I felt a bit overwhelmed, particularly as he seemed more confused than ever whilst we were there. I guess it wasn't surprising really, an hour or so in the car, unfamiliar place and unfamiliar smells.  I think I'd prayed for a magic answer, that with  an operation he would have his sight restored and we'd live happily ever after!  Life isn't ever quite that simple.  The vet did think the cataracts were operable, but with some degenerative vision loss thrown in, he may or may not get some or good sight back, and maybe for a short while.  I got some good advice, to go home and think about it!

That afternoon I took the opportunity to visit a rather wet Pooley Bridge where we had a stroll by the lake. The dog was so excited to paddle in the water, but it was breaking my heart that he would happily have run over a cliff edge to reach it had he not been on a short lead.  It was good to see him happy and excited though.

Over the week he did start to cope better around the house, and can now find his way round downstairs without hitting things too hard. The collar with cable tie antennas was good for the first few weeks, but he doesn't need it now.  He does get fed up though, refusing to leave his bed this morning for example, until he is bribed with food or told to move rather sternly. The only time he really livens up is when we are on the park, he still loves it there, and happily he is fine on the flexi lead now, so has a bit of a trot round playing with his plastic bone.

So on Thursday we head back to Penrith for surgery.  He has 5 antiobiotic drops a day in each eye for the 5 days prior to surgery.  He doesn't seem to mind that too much.  Aftercare doesn't sound too bad when compared to his cruciate surgery, just quiet time, a cone and drops.  We'll see how that goes but I think he is due some good luck, so fingers cross he will be able to see something next weekend!

His leg is great. Another week or so and it should be completely healed.  Over the past week he has been better on the stairs (closely supervised/helped) and climbed (with help) on the sofa this week. Obviously he can't be left on the sofa and has to be helped down.  If we get his eyesight sorted he sound have a fun summer!