I got Sydney and his brother from the same litter of Italian Greyhounds in 2001. Their momma was a puppy mill dog- so of course Syd and Sprout have had many health ailments. He said they were Italian Greyhounds – but actually they are much bigger but not quite as big as a Whippet.
Anyway about 4 maybe 5 years ago I noticed Syd having trouble getting around when lights were dim or off. The eye specialist vet said he had (excuse me if I pronounce this wrong) Artireal Retina Disease. Another vet said since he was also bit multiple times by a prairie rattle snake when he was a year old – the arteries supplying blood to the eyes were dying. ??? Either way his eyes died due to lack of blood to them.. Both Vets said he would be completely blind in a few years.
Syd went slowly completely blind about 4-5 years ago. Due to the pupils being so dilated – he developed severe cateracts. A Couple weeks ago the left eye lens slipped and started floating around in the eye. So both eyes filled with more fluid causing painful glaucoma. Syd (and his brother Sprout) have heart murmers and epilepsy. So surgery/anesthesia is pretty risky. Both of his eyes were removed yesterday.
He also has ventricular disease. Causes vertigo and confusion for 24 hrs to a couple days. Comes and goes. Several good months then a few bad days. Then back to normal. Of course he started an episode a couple days before this surgery. So he has that going on right now along with some after effects of the anesthesia. Swelling is down a bit today. Still worried about the lethargy and being withdrawn. I’ve taken him outside to potty – had him walk and I guided him by his harness so he would know where he is going. He freaked out horribly! So I put him back in his crate that he loves and feels safe in.
I am trying to be strong and happy around him- as I feel dogs pick up on sadness/worry/crying. So I go in another room if I can’t keep it together. Sprout and I camped out near his crate last night.
Thankfully he has eaten a little bit last night and about an hour ago – so that’s good.
I worry if I did the right thing. However – outside of his eye problems- he is a happy go lucky guy – loves to be social and go for car rides, hiking and walks—so I just couldn’t put him down. I sure miss those big beautiful deer eyes.
Just an update – today is day 10 post surgery… Syd is doing awesome! He is pretty much back to his old routines. He actually seems to be “peppier” than prior to surgery. He’s more alert and doesn’t isolate and sleep like he did before. I believe the pain he had with glaucoma really changed his personality – having a constant ache/pain would have done it. His same silly personality and energy level (like taking a walk) from long ago is back!
Hey are you still there?? I know this post is old but I have questions with my Italian greyhound… 🙏🏼
I am curious too. My poor nearly 14 year old IG, Athena had an evisceration last February. All was well. She still looked like her. But her autoimmune issues through us a curve ball and her remaining Sclera, that allowed the eye to remain open with a prosthesis; started to necrotize. It was a rare, tough break. She had her enucleation of the left eye yesterday. They put in a brand new, sterile prosthesis and closed the eye. I was really shocked at her appearance. We went to the best of the best, but it is HARD seeing my baby girl like this.
One of your last lines about doubting whether or not you did the right thing…of course you did! You’ve done the right thing, don’t doubt yourself. I too have had a dog go through the enucleation surgery (born without eyes) and seeing the aftermath of that was hard, I wasn’t prepared for how she would look. Within a couple of weeks, back to “normal” and enjoying her hikes, playing and being silly. Blind dogs are the greatest!! (we have three)