Dogs can adapt well to loss of eyesight
By STEVE DALE Special to the Times
Published April 12, 2007
Q: My 9-year-old poodle is blind in both eyes from cataracts. She has no other health problems. This problem will cost $2,500 to fix, however, and I just don't have the money. Should I put my dog to sleep or let her live the way she is?
A: I can't understand why you'd consider ending your dog's life because she can't see! Dogs adjust better than people to loss of eyesight. For one thing, they don't consider the emotional loss of a sense; they just go on living. And going on is easier without vision if you happen to be of the canine persuasion because a dog's senses of smell and hearing are so well defined.
There are definitely some precautions you'll need to take. Never allow your dog to wander without a leash. Never let your pup near stairways without careful supervision. Don't move furniture around without first "showing" your dog the changes in the floor plan.
The good news is, our dogs and cats are living longer than they ever have. The bad news is, they are prone to many of the same illnesses that affect people in old age. And cutting-edge surgery doesn't come cheap. If a veterinary ophthalmologist does recommend surgery to restore your dog's sight which may not be the case depending on various factors, then we're talking around $2,500 per eye. One option is surgery on only one eye. Also, some surgeons may offer credit services, allowing payment over time with minimal interest.
Blind dogs can be trained, as can deaf dogs. Certainly, there may be some restrictions on their lifestyles but their quality of life can be as terrific as that of any other dogs.
Give bird bathwater
Q: My 12-year-old blue crown conure has begun picking his feathers after molting. He's not pulling out the feathers but is actually over-preening them. There have been no changes in his diet or in our household. How can I control this problem?
A: "Your bird may need to bathe more often," offers Anne C. Watkins, author of The Conure Handbook (Barron's Educational Series Inc., 2004: $10.99). "One idea is to provide water at the bottom of the cage inside a large glass pie dish. Not only can your bird bathe there, but the water will also add needed humidity. It might be too dry for your tropical bird following the molt. For sure, try spraying the bird once or twice daily. Also, I'd offer a periodic bath in the sink (be sure to carefully rinse the sink before and after) if you don't offer the pie dish bathtub."
Watkins adds that if your bird does not improve, see a vet skilled in avian medicine. Even though your bird's diet may not have changed, that doesn't mean an adjustment might not be suggested. Also, you'll want to rule out any potential medical issues.
Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. He will answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to petworld@aol.com.