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Sunday, May 5, 2019

Black Dog Sunday

Our Black Dog had a bit of a rough time during our time in the desert. He seemed uncharacteristically subdued. The most surprising thing was that he was not enthusiastic about going on walks or runs. He'd balk when heading into the unknown world, sometimes resolutely refusing to go.

Believe me, we checked him over many times, and we could find no signs that he was sick.

Then, when I asked him to run for photos along a path that I showed him carefully before asking him to run, he acted like his usual self. He looked like our normal happy Black Dog.

We made lots of guesses about what was going on with him but the one that rings true to me is that the vision in his remaining eye is at a very low level.  That also fits with his very tentative movements in the dim light of the inside of the Labmobile.
He has an ophthalmologist appointment this week. That will tell us about the pressure inside his eye, which tends to get painfully high with glaucoma. Alas, there is no standardized vision test for a dog. Our amateur tests suggest that he is still seeing something out of that eye. For example, if you act as if you're reaching for a treat to give him, he sees it.

Since getting home, our Black Dog instantly returned to normal. He is running with exuberance, and he not hesitant about steps or other obstacles in the world that he knows so well.

We hope that his happiness continues. We will be working on figuring out how to guide him better in unknown environments because we know that his vision isn't going to improve. The goal is for all of us to keep on a happy path that helps R be comfortable with his low level of vision and still lets all of us have our adventures.

It is a Happy Black Dog Sunday!

18 comments:

  1. oh sweet R, I am so sorry to read this. I am thinking it is like taking a blind person from their home environment to someone elses home... he knows where and what he is seeing at home. also the sun is so bright in the desert, maybe that had something to do with it.... I saw on FB yesterday two Golden retrievers, one was blind and the other one was leading him by holding the leash in her mouth, a seeing eye dog for him

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    1. I think that you're right about the brightness of the sun in the desert being a problem for his vision. See Nancy J's comment below. Thanks.

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  2. Hari om
    Familiar territory requires muscle memory as much as sight, so the new territory would surely bring reticence. These shots are brilliant though! YAM xx

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  3. We send you lots and lots of love, R♥

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  4. Yes, it's probably a vision thing but we're sure glad normal was at home waiting!

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  5. Funny how treats seem to cure a lot of what ails peeps and pups. Good luck with the upcoming appointment. 🤞🏼

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  6. With my cataracts, bright sunshine makes everything more blurry. Maybe the sun there was affecting R's eye. Home, a safe haven at any time, and familiar things to walk round or into will give him those happy days again.

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    1. R has a huge glaucoma-related cataract so I bet that you're right. I did not know that bright sunlight made vision worse in eyes with cataracts.

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  7. I experienced this with my first schnauzer, and guessed immediately that was the problem for your Black Dog. The good news is that no one ever guessed she was blind. Just don't rearrange the furniture.

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  8. He is comfortable in his own environment and feels safe, that's the main thing.

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  9. I'm so happy that some readers have been able to help you out with this. I hope R's appointment gives you the rest of the answers. I have no doubt you will do what you need to in order to help him and keep everyone happy. ♥
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  10. We're glad to hear R is doing better now that you are home. Our paws are crossed that he continues to do well.

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  11. It looks like a few have given you some reasons to explain R's hesitancy in the desert. We hope he is as happy as a clam at home now. All the best with his upcoming appointment.

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  12. Friends of mine here in France have a totally blind border collie. In his home environment you would never guess that he can't see. When they take him away, they are extra-careful though. Fingers crossed for the appointment.

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  13. Sending positive thoughts to my favorite black dog.

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  14. Whatever happens with his eyes, he will be fine at home and you will know how to care for him on trips. He is loved, so loved, and that's really what he needs the most. Of course, I'm hoping you will get good news at the vet. Sending love and good wishes to R and to you as well.

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  15. Sending good wishes to R from me and the pack. It's so tough with our pups at times. Pleased he is back to himself at home.
    Kiersten

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  16. I am glad R is better now at home KB..
    My eyes do not like bright sunlight either,,, or darkness!
    love
    tweedles

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