Cataracts and your dog!!
Diagram of a cataract!
As my parents began to age, their eyesight began to weaken and cataracts were diagnosed. After some brief surgical procedures, the cataracts were removed and their sight was again enhanced.
Cataracts can be a single condition or can be caused by other conditions. For example in the case of Jakob, the eight year old Tibetan terrier, owned by Nikki Begg, the cataracts were caused by a recently diagnosed case of diabetes. The loss of Jakob’s sight changed his behavior and personality and according to Begg, “..instead of living, the dog merely existed”.
Begg lives in Bermuda and the surgery that Jakob needed to restore his vision would take place in Rhode Island. Summer temperature prevented any airline from allowing Jakob to fly in their cargo area, so the surgery had to be delayed four months. By the time the surgery took place, Jakob was fully blind.
Tests were preformed prior to a final decision about surgery. When it was determined that Jakob’s eyesight could be restored, surgery was scheduled for the following day. Jakob underwent the surgery in the morning, where he was put under general anesthesia and the cataracts were removed.
According to Nikki Begg, there was no greater feeling than returning to the dog clinic that afternoon, opening the door to where Jakob was and realizing that he recognized her, not only by scent, but by sight as well. The surgery had worked perfectly and Jakob could see again. Nikki and Jakob had to remain in Rhode Island for about a week after the surgery for postoperative care, but soon headed home to Bermuda. Even with the expense of the surgery, travel and time away from her job, Nikki Begg says it was well worth the cost to have her dog back and seeing normally!!!
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