Eye Removal And Nge

[Guest AutumnB]

After retiring from the racetrack, Linden was diagnosed with Nodular Granulomatous Epiconjunctival Scleritis in May 2015. Unfortunately in the past few months, Lindens condition has gone down hill drastically for unknown reasons. After multiple trips to the ophthalmologist, medication add-ons and alterations, blood and urinary testing, and a huge hit to my savings and paycheques, Linden is seemly unresponsive to all forms of treatment we have tried. At this time, the ophthalmologist is now recommending eye removal surgery for Lindends discomfort.

Does anyone have any experience with this disease, or removing both of your greys eyes?

Never did I think that a visit to the ophthalmologist would result in being told that Linden is no longer responding to any forms of treatment we have been trying, and that enucleation needs to be seriously considered for his discomfort. This is something that has been weighing on my heart for some time now, and one of the most difficult struggles I've had to come to terms with. Linden was diagnosed with a condition called NGE: an autoimmune disease that affects both of his eyes. For some time now, without any known reason, his condition has significantly gone downhill. I've started a GoFundMe page to help with the cost of the surgery, check it out for more of our story. Any help is greatly appreciated, even just a quick share! img]https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/21186138_1497455969.931.jpg[/img]

[greysmom]

I'm so sorry. This sounds really painful and difficult to deal with on many levels. I've not had to experience it, but having had a couple dogs go blind from other causes, I can say that they adapt remarkably well and easily. They can still hear and smell and learn to get around the house and yard. Both of mine had other dogs in the house become their "seeing eye dog" who they relied on for comfort and support.

 

We did use a lot more baby gates around doors and stairs, and put bells on all the other animals. We were also very careful of their space so that thei didn't feel surprised or encroached on when they were laying down - much like a space aggressive dog.

 

Good luck.

[3greytjoys]

I don't recall hearing about other Greyhounds with NGE, but I've known Greyhounds with pannus that wasn't caught in time to treat before complete blindness occurred. Those hounds were able to adjust remarkably well to life without sight. Caregivers can make a blind dog's life easier by avoiding furniture changes in the home, keeping traffic pathways open, add rubber (baby) bumpers on hard edges of coffee tables, and if needed, build a simple ramp (with solid sides) for dogs to go outside to eliminate. I've had geriatric dogs who lost much/most of their sight, but it was easy to help guide them as needed.

 

Perhaps consider contacting one of the veterinary schools in a racing state like Florida or The Greyhound Health Initiative https://www.greyhoundhealthinitiative.org/contact-us/ to obtain another contact opinion prior to surgery. Also, it could be important for your surgeon to obtain a supply aminocaproic acid or tranexamic acid for Linden in case of excessive bleeding during surgery and/or within 5 days post surgery.

 

If you're able to post a close-up photo or two of Linden's eyes, it could help.

 

Please check back periodically, it may take some time for others to see/reply to this thread.

[locket]

I have no experience with that disease, however, I can offer some support. Last week, we met with a blind fox terrier, he had lost both of his eyes in a degenerative disease and he was playing, swimming and going to the other animals naturally. I actually didn't notice he didn't have eyes until his owners told me (He was even following and marking on top of my dog!)

I also met with 2 greys that had lost an eye (both birth defects) and it was barely noticeable. One of them, Venus, was so sweet and running around normally. Of course she could still see, but you must keep in mind that animals are very adaptable. And you might even find that without the discomfort of his eyes, he bounces back to the playfulness of his youth.

Good luck, keep us posted, here is an attached photo of Venus when we first met at the kennel.

[Guest DarkHorse]

We had one of Dexter's eyes removed in January of 2016. He had a cataract in it when we first adopted him that worsened for the first couple years we had him and then stopped for the next five years. It took until October of 2015 for it to be a problem. The vet tested his eye pressure and said it was high, and then prescribed some drops and ointment to help. When they weren't effective, enucleation was recommended.

 

He recovered incredibly well for an 11 year old dog. When he went in for the 2 week check up and stitch removal, the vets were shocked at how well he had already healed. By two months, you would never know that he'd only just had it removed. Contrary to common greyhound practice, he didn't even noticeably scar.

 

We did discover that he had been using the eye for light/shadow even though he couldn't really 'see' properly out of it. That did take some adapting, but by the time that he'd healed up properly, he was learning not to trust that there wasn't anything on that side. He did still have his other eye to help him out, but there were still some noticeable changes.

 

Things we noticed that were different for him afterwards:

• You'll want to make obvious noise while approaching him for a while. Dexter had a bit of sleep startle if he had his good side down.
• Stairs are going to be hard. If possible, keep him on the main floor for at least the first few weeks before introducing stairs. Start those out with a short flight (we've got a few of three steps) or nice big outdoor steps.
• He may be a bit more defensive while eating. Keep any other dogs away from him until he seems comfortable with you around while he's eating, and then slowly reintroduce (if necessary).
• Take things slow and at his pace for the first little while. He may be a little bit spooky, or he may want to sniff everything. Walks are going to be short in distance but long in time for a while, and that's OK.

 

Best of luck. We ended up losing Dexter last November, but from something completely unrelated. His last 10 months of comfort and enjoyment were more than worth the eye surgery.

 

[Guest AutumnB]

I'm so sorry. This sounds really painful and difficult to deal with on many levels. I've not had to experience it, but having had a couple dogs go blind from other causes, I can say that they adapt remarkably well and easily. They can still hear and smell and learn to get around the house and yard. Both of mine had other dogs in the house become their "seeing eye dog" who they relied on for comfort and support.

 

We did use a lot more baby gates around doors and stairs, and put bells on all the other animals. We were also very careful of their space so that thei didn't feel surprised or encroached on when they were laying down - much like a space aggressive dog.

 

Good luck.

 

Thank you for all the advice Bells on the other animals is a great idea I never would have thought of!

[Dawnnziggy]

I have had to have an eye removed due to glaucoma. The diagnosis kept changing. At first they told us it was pannus. His eye looked different, like there was a film on his eye so then we were told it was now episcleritis. We went back to our vet every 6 weeks for a while. He kept checking his pressure. We used so many different medications, but the one that worked the best had become so expensive we couldn't afford it. It was $100 for only a month. We used at least 5 different meds. He ended up with glaucoma. We went to a ophthalmologist at The Ohio State University Veterinary School. He was awesome! His recommendation was that Ziggy's right eye be taken out. We couldn't afford to do it at OSU but our vet did it for less than half of what OSU wanted. He had been able to see shadows so it was a bit difficult for him at first. After that period, he was like a puppy again! The vet said he was in a lot of pain, like he'd had a migraine all that time! He adjusted great, but he still had one eye.

 

Good luck to you!