Eye Sight?

Frostbight8 · October 2012

Hey guys, we've just noticed today that my Shih-Tzu, Pookie won't keep her left eye open, she's closing it. But when we washed it off a little bit she started to open it a little bit. When she opens it it almost looks a little cloudy. I'm a aware Shih-Tzu's are prone to eye problems, so I'm a little worried. She's always scratching at her ears and rubbing her face, so she could've done something during that process. It was fine this morning. What bothers me the most is that it almost appeared she couldn't see too well with it. If I tossed a ball on the left side it would take a second longer to register than it did on the right side. And if I moved my hand towards it, she didn't blink or flinch. I know, the vet is really the only way to tell and we'll make her an appointment tomorrow if it doesn't clear up. I just want to see what you guys think.

Adrianna32 · October 2012

It could be many things. Glaucoma. Build up of fluids causing an abnormal amount of pressure on her eye. Nuclear Sclerosis. Which happens naturally with age. But it doesn't seem normal to have the eye looking fine in the morning and then cloudy only hours later, and it isn't right that she can't open it. How old is Pookie? Did she get into anything? Sclerosis isn't as big a deal as cataracts and generally doesn't disturb the dog too much, maybe it wasn't too obvious before, so you didn't notice it happening until now? Perhaps she has an infection, or an ulcer. That would explain the shut eye. Does it look like she's in any pain? You definitely need to take her in if there's cloudiness and lack of vision; but since you already plan to do that I wouldn't fret over it until you get a diagnosis. Just make sure she doesn't mess with it, and I would recommend giving her cool compresses every now and then until you can take her in. That always made my boy feel better. One of my dog's eyes is clouding up and he's slowly losing vision, it's cataracts. He's doing fine and adjusting to it alright. Dogs don't rely on vision too much to survive. I think she'll be fine as soon as you get her checked out Frosteh.

Frostbight8 · October 2012

Thanks, Zyn. Pook literally just turned 5 and I don't think she got into something, I wasn't home, but I feel it's unlikely. She's at the vet now, and I think I might just die of worry. Wish I could've been there. Over the phone they thought it could be glaucoma.

Frostbight8 · October 2012

It's primary glaucoma. The good eye is showing early stages of it as well. They're draining it now and she's going to be on medication, but from what I understand she will eventually go completely blind. I can't explain it right now, I'm just.. A complete wreck. She's my everything, and.. She's too young for this. I assumed she'd get some issues when she was older, but 5? Ugh.

Adrianna32 · October 2012

I figured that was the most likely reason. I'm sorry Frosteh. But as I said, dogs don't rely too much on their vision. She's still got a while before she loses her sight and I'm positive she'll adjust just fine. Heck, last month we had to get Tyson's second eye out, now he has none, and he's already doing fine. He still loves, plays, jumps and runs. His other senses have been heightened and he's doing amazing. She'll be okay Frost, I know how hard it is, but dogs are amazing and can get through anything nature throws at em.

PaperWings · October 2012

Sadly age doesn't always play a part in a dog getting glaucoma. Breeding/genetics/anatomy are to blame too. Was about to ask if you had a pop eyed/stub nosed dog (aka brachycephalic skulled dog), and reading the post properly I see you mention its a shih-tzu. And they've been bred with horrible facial anatomy

So eyeballs don't sit properly in the sockets, and is all a bit squished in there. Dogs do fantastic without sight, just as the sight worsens try not to move things about too much in the house - as in the furniture. So they'll get used to the layout and not stress about bumping into things. So at home, you'll be surprised how unblind they seem. And your confidence will help too! If you worry and try wrap them up in bubble wrap to protect them, they'll become panicky etc etc. =D

Cherokeezbaby · October 2012

I agree with Paper. I had a blind AND deaf dog at on time (she had to be put to sleep due to cancer a few months back) and she was perfectly functional without those two senses. Like Paper said, we could not move furniture around because it stressed her out, but she functioned like any normal dog would. She picked up on my energy (I guess you could say) when she was in trouble and would go straight into her cage. My friends actually did not know until I told them that she had those conditions.

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Eye Sight?

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