Elvis - the next chapter

SARDS - Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome.

Ever notice how we go through life not knowing much about certain topics - until the time comes when you suddenly know way too much about a topic?  From my experience, when that happens it usually isn't good.

Elvis went to the animal Eye Vet today.  He was so good and so brave during the visit.  They checked out his eyes - poking and prodding with shiny lights and magnifying glasses.  We talked about his last few days and we talked about what it all might mean.

They then kept him for the day to perform a test called an "electroretinogram" - a way to measure if Elvis' retinas are responding electronically to stimuli.

When I returned late this afternoon to pick him up, the Doctor met me in the exam room and gave me the news - no response in his left eye, barely any response in his right eye.  "If Elvis were a person", she said, "he would be considered clinically blind."

Damn was all I could think of - here comes the punch......SARDS is the diagnosis - not sure what the cause is and no known cure.  Elvis is a blind dog.

We talked some more about cause and effect - maybe related to immune systems, maybe hormonal, they just really don't know.  Bottom line, the retinas have called it a day and they won't be back.

To her credit, the Doctor was upbeat and said Elvis (and his owners) just need to adjust and should expect a happy, healthy life.  About then, the Tech brought Elvis into the room and his tail almost wagged off when he heard my voice.  How could I feel sorry for him when he was happy to be there and happy to know he was going home.

We loaded up in the car and when we got home, Elvis promptly pooped in the front yard.  Yes, he was back home and life would continue.  I think I won't even clean it up for a while.

As I type this, Elvis is sleeping on the floor nearby snoring loudly.  What do dogs dream about when they sleep?  I hope it's about chasing squirrels and saving the world from evil bunnies.

Elvis might have lost his sight, but he's still our dog and I promise not to pity him but to show him patience and consideration - he's certainly earned that much.

Elvis

We have a dog named Elvis.  Elvis is a 10 year old West-highland Terrier.  Elvis does what all Terriers do - he chases squirrels, barks at neighborhood dogs, and loves to curl up on the couch next to you during a ball game.

For the past few weeks, Elvis has been acting out-of-sorts.  Nothing big, just not himself.  He was battling a cough and some eye drainage but we thought it was just allergies.  We also were doing some remodeling at the house so things were a little disruptive.  Elvis doesn't like change so we figured he was upset that his cheese was being moved.

Last weekend, the strangest thing happened.  Elvis went to jump onto my lap while I was sitting on the patio and he missed.  He didn't just miss my lap, he missed the whole damn chair.  Donna and I just looked at each other.  "This is not good" I thought.

The next day, Donna noticed that Elvis suddenly couldn't maneuver the steps to the patio - he stumbled and fell trying to go down.  Not sure what to do, she made a quick call to our Vet and they were soon on their way.  When she explained what had been going on, the Vet did a quick eye exam and stated that it appeared that Elvis had gone blind.  Such a shock as you might imagine.

We are visiting a Veterinarian Eye Specialist this week (didn't know there was such a person) to get a full diagnosis but I'm guessing the prognosis is not good.

In the mean-time, Elvis has been trying to adjust to his home and backyard sightless.  It's been a trial of bumps and stumbles.  He's been a trooper but it's heart-breaking for me to watch.  I want to help him but know he needs to find his own way with his sense of smell and hearing as he will soon map out his surroundings.

I'll keep you posted on his progress as well as ours.  Dogs are great gifts to their people-keepers and Elvis has earned his place in our home - let's hope Elvis keeps wagging his tail and continues to be the Terrier he is.