Cataracts

scarletscarlet
edited March 2008 in Shiba Inu (柴犬)


I had been wondering about Jodi's eyesight, feeling she wasn't quite as surefooted as she should be and also noticing what appeared to be a glazed look.  Dave looked at her yesterday at the park and felt I was overly concerned. 


Today I took Jake to my long-term groomer to minimize the shedding before his surgery this Thursday and asked the groomer to look at Jodi's eyes.  Tammy feels sure that Jodi has cataracts at 9 months of age.  She also feels any breeder should or would have known of such an issue.


Any experience with this or suggestions?  I have only had her a week and have a call into the breeder.  Needless to say I am pretty upset and need suggestions about what I should do.

Comments

  • ktreborktrebor
    edited November -1
    Probably better way to determine possible eye problem is to check it with specialized veterinarian.
  • scarletscarlet
    edited November -1


    I spoke with the breeder.  She said that she doesn't know of cataracts being an issue in the Shiba, and never noticed any problems with Jodi, however, a specific retinal problem has been noted, but not in any of her lines.  Like ktrebor suggested, she wants to hear back from me after a doctor looks at her Thursday.  If the Vet believes she has cataracts, then the breeder will let me keep her and fully refund the purchase price (which will not come close to the surgery cost) or they will take her back and refund the price and place her as a pet.  Honestly, they placed her with me as a pet with full breeding rights.


    Pet insurance will not cover pre-existing but this would not be the Vet to perform any type of surgery so possibly pet insurance would still cover 80% if it remains undocumented.


    I suppose I will hold my judgments until Thursday and then weigh options.

  • dlrobertsdlroberts
    edited November -1


    I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad you are getting it checked. Poor little Jodi needs a break right now. First she goes to a new home and now she may have eye problems.  Frown


    You should give her some extra cuddle time on the couch tonight.  

  • brandon_wbrandon_w
    edited November -1
    Does Jodi have little spots on her eyes?  Is that what has you worried?  It's possible that they might not be cataracts, but they could be "fatty" deposits on the cornea.  Nemo and his brother Turi both have them, they are benign, and since they showed up, have not grown.  I hope that is all that little Jodi has.
  • scarletscarlet
    edited November -1


    I took Jodi to my regular Vet and she believes 'there is something' wrong with Jodi's eyes, but she isn't sure what it is, other than it is not cataracts, and has referred me to an opthomologist, who is not in the office today, my last day off from work!  ARGH.


    Now, after research, I know there are retinal problems in the Shiba breed.  Has anyone encountered any eye problems with their dogs?  If the disease is progressive to the point of blindness, do I want that responsibility for a 9 month old puppy with I am not yet fully bonded?  She has a sweet personality but not the personality of the male I've grown to love so much.  Perhaps she would be better in a one dog home where she gets lots of cuddles and lower activity.


    I would love to hear all your thoughts.


     


    Scarlet

  • diggahdiggah
    edited November -1


    Sorry to hear of your concerns. Maybe the new pup is just a bit shy and withdrawn because of the change of environment. It can’t hurt to get a second opinion, but hopefully this is just a stress thing which will work out as life returns to normal and everybody gets an opportunity to settle in a bit more.


    I do give you credit for taking time off work to acclimatize the animal. It seems like you're doing all the right things; just give it a bit more time.

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