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.
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