Diabetic Dog Going Blind

[annette12490]

Does anybody have any recommendations on a diabetic dog going blind. Are there any drops, vitamins? She can see at a distance but not close up. Only has been on insulin for 6 months. thank you

[k9diabetes]

Re: Diabetic Dog Going Blind

Cataracts beyond a certain stage cannot be reversed as the structure of the lens actually deteriorates.

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/de...239&id=4952222

However, most dogs who lose their vision to diabetes-induced cataracts do really well. They can need a few weeks or months to adjust - probably easier adjustment period if it's gradual.

The cataracts themselves tend to cause inflammation so it is best to apply anti-inflammatory drops to their eyes to prevent pain, ulcers, etc. There are several kinds of drops and the basic one... name escapes me at the moment cuz it's been too long since I dealt with this... is very affordable.

Usually, all you need to do is protect them by putting up barriers in front of dangerous objects such as things with sharp points and swimming pools or stairs. They can learn to navigate stairs - you just don't want them stepping off into space before they find their bearings.

Dogs can navigate quite well once they get used to things and kind of map it in their heads.

http://www.k9diabetes.com/complinks.html

http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5389

Natalie

[Scooterspal]

Re: Diabetic Dog Going Blind

Scooter also can see distance but has a hard time with close up vision. Since cataracts grow from the center out, the close up is the first to go while they can still see around the periphery.

He has been on Lanosterol eye drops since mid April. He has been able to keep periphery vision in his right eye since then. The left eye was fairly mature by the time I started the drops. Wish I had known of these drops earlier. I still administer the drops to that eye, though.

He also gets eye supplements daily. Check my signature below for what I use.

Google Lanomax if interested. Buy them direct from this company, not off Amazon. They are not the same.

Have your dog checked for glacoma. This can affect her prognosis.

I also work hard to keep Scooter's BG levels below 200.

[bichons9]

Re: Diabetic Dog Going Blind

I have had blind dogs from age 16-20 y.o but not due to D.M...Does anyone know the incidence/stats on how many dogs get cataracts due to D.M. and related high BG? Is Suzie most likely to develop cataracts due to her diabetes and higher BG's? If so, do you know how long before this usually happens? This is very sad!!!

[bichons9]

Re: Diabetic Dog Going Blind

Has the dog become blind due to the D.M.within 6 months? Was the D.M. asymptomatic and probably present before diagnosis? This is so unfortunate..I have no solutions other than, when our 20 y.o Bichon had his eye removed and had been blind for a year before, we cancelled sale of house since new home would have been impossible for him to navigate around..OH!!! but he was on prescription eye gtts for inflammation discomfort..Motrin?? I can't remember the name at this moment but doesn't seem relevant for Scooter anyay.My old age blind dogs have always done fine..hard to tell they could not see..got around as usual..but added another fence with less space.. and to keep away from pool.. kept close eye when outside lying in sun but he didn't go outside much anyway.....What a sweetie...Hi Scooter!!!!