Sabian

Hi everyone....! In searching for some direction, I stumbled across this forum. Since I'm the proud owner of my second Bassett, membership here is long overdue. Unfortunately what I'm facing is uncharted territory for me. Her name is Sophie, and we rescued her about 8 years ago...so she is almost 12, which I know is old for a Bassett. During the summer, she devoloped Glaucoma and has lost sight in not one, but both eyes within weeks of each other. The Arthritis that she has had for almost a year now, has also progressed...although vet prescribed pain meds have been a miracle in controlling the pain and stiffness. We were told by our vet tonight that our only option, other than drops, which I have heard just treats the symptom...not the problem, is to remove both eyes. I have several concerns. With her age, handling the procedure is one of them, infection..etc. I have read several accounts of this working great for younger dogs, but not of one Sophie's age. The cost is going to be between $1200-$1800. It's gonna be tough, but she is part of our family and it's a no brainer, I was just hoping to hear from anyone who may have experience with this scenario...sorry for the long first post!

Boomer's Mom

I have no experience with this, but there are others on the board that can help out, so am bumping this.

Welcome to the board, too!

__________________
Boomer: Born 4/18/2010
Biscuit: Rescued 1/26/12, approx. 2 yo

Chez Basset: Come for the kibble, stay for the belly rubs.

Sabian

Thank you!

Soundtrack

My Ginger (ATB ) also had issues with her eyes at that age (not glaucoma), and after a long time trying to treat with drops the decision was made to remove her eyes as she still appeared to be in good shape. Unfortunately, the pre-surgery tests revealed a cardiac tumor, so the surgery was cancelled.

Despite this, it is my opinion that if the dog is otherwise healthy that she would be much happier with the eyes removed. Everyone I've spoken with who has had this done said they didn't realize how uncomfortable the dog was until they saw the improvement after the surgery.

__________________
Rosie-Ch Soundtrack Cracklin' Rose CGN AGN RA Am RN TT
Melody-Ch Soundtrack Unchained Melody TT
Sailor-Ch Soundtrack Expedition Sailor RN TT
Chili-Ch Soundtrack Spice Up Your Life
Curry-Ch Soundtrack Canadian Brass
Pepper-Ch Pennieslogon Living La Vida Loca CGN
Vina-Ch Soundtrack Grand Illusion
Leila-Ch Soundtrack Almost Paradise
Deela-Ch Soundtrack Wink Of An Eye
Hermione - Soundtrack Spellbound
Eowyn - Soundtrack Rain Dance

Sabian

Sorry to hear that. Her heart sounds good according to the vet, but her arthritis factors into our decision as well. If she had a clean bill of health if not for her eyes, the choice is automatic. Appreciate the input....

Mikey T

Why? it has no bearing on the out come of the eye surgery.
had a basset that began treatment for spondylosis ( basical arthritis of the back) at 12 and did fine with old style nsaids for year she lives to 17

Sabian

It factors in because her arthritis is becoming worse, and although we would be ridding her of the pain from her eyes, she would still be suffering from the pain in her joints. She is needing more pain medication as time goes by, but the amount she needs is just making her sleep all the time. The vet is the one who pointed out her arthritis as well...glad to hear your buddy made it to 17...very rare.

Mikey T

She is on an opiate?

Sabian

Tramadol....yes

Gabby

My Basset made it to a strong 17 also