Someone dumped a dog on my road, help needed--Tortois, Occamstazer!!

[miss_thenorth]

I called the OSPCA, and left my info with them incase anyone calls them. I told them I would keep her for about a week, to see if we can find the owners, and then I might turn her in. But, I might just call a pug rescue group at that time. Just from observing her, she seems to have some vision loss.

 

[Wifezilla]

"Chronic Superficial Keratitis, in Dogs
(Pannus)
Pannus is an immune mediated corneal disease primarily found in the German Shepard breed although other predisposed breeds include Greyhounds, Huskies, and Dachshunds. Ultraviolet light and altitude influence the severity of the disease. Pannus is a progressive, non painful, inflammatory disease of the cornea, conjunctiva, and sometimes the third eyelids (when affecting the third eyelid, it is termed "atypical pannus" or "plasmoma"). Other breeds reported to have problems with pannus include Poodles, Border Collies, and Labrador Retrievers. Variable proportions of pigmentation, corneal vascularization, granulation tissue, and cholesterol deposits characterize Pannus. The corneal changes usually begin on the lower outside surface of the eye. Both eyes are affected, though the diseased regions may be asymmetric. Some dogs also have dry eye problems. As the disease progresses, blindness can develop. The cause of Pannus is not well understood, but several factors are involved: The breed incidence suggests a heritable predisposition. Additionally, UV (ultraviolet) radiation plays an important role as an inciting and propagating factor. Dogs living at high altitudes and low altitudes (water reflected) are more severely affected. Also, auto immunity and possibly genetics play a part.

Another contributing factor is exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation. Animals living at higher elevations or near water have additional UV exposure and, in such situations, the pannus condition may become worse. The influence of elevation is minimal in the San Francisco Bay Area; however, limiting sunlight exposure may help slow progression of the disease. Some people have had some success in getting their dogs to wear protective visors or goggles."
http://www.royalair.org/pannus.htm

Just a few thoughts... Since it is autoimmune related, I would make sure the the dog's food didn't have anything that could cause inflammation (soy, corn, etc..). Also, with avoiding sun being a potential treatment, extra vitamin D would be required. (How much D does a dog need daily??)

 

[tortoise]

Thanks WZ! As you can probably infer from that post, there isn't a cure for pannus. The treatment is various eye drops that aim to slow the progression and try to preserve the dogs vision as much as possible.

 

[miss_thenorth]

Thanks WZ! As you can probably infer from that post, there isn't a cure for pannus. The treatment is various eye drops that aim to slow the progression and try to preserve the dogs vision as much as possible.

Thanks,

Is it just eyedrops /ointment for a lifetime? How costly is it? It s apparent that she has some vision loss, but can still see ok. Will she totally lose her vision, even if maintained?

I have a difficult time handing her over if she is going to be euthanized. If she is not claimed, I need to know (if we decide to keep her) how much it's gonna cost, and if she will totally go blind.

Someone already emailed me that if we don't find her owners, that he would like to give her a forever home. I told him about her eyes.

 

[tortoise]

Thanks WZ! As you can probably infer from that post, there isn't a cure for pannus. The treatment is various eye drops that aim to slow the progression and try to preserve the dogs vision as much as possible.

Thanks,

Is it just eyedrops /ointment for a lifetime? How costly is it? It s apparent that she has some vision loss, but can still see ok. Will she totally lose her vision, even if maintained?

I have a difficult time handing her over if she is going to be euthanized. If she is not claimed, I need to know (if we decide to keep her) how much it's gonna cost, and if she will totally go blind.

Someone already emailed me that if we don't find her owners, that he would like to give her a forever home. I told him about her eyes.

I do not know the cost of the eye drops. If it progresses, she would lose vision. Only the vet that has seen her could guess how long she has.

If you look around online, you'll read that it is not a painful condition. If you keep her maybe talk to your vet about not treating but teaching her how to cope with blindness? If your vet can confirm that she isn't in pain and that blindness is inevitable, that might be a right thing to do for her?

 

[miss_thenorth]

thanks, thorugh observingher today, she does have some vision loss. Weh was on the porch, which was covered in snow, and stepped off itto a drop of about a foot- not knowing--onto snow, and she walked into a snow bank. She is cautious of the stairs in my sunken livingroom, but she has since mastered those. It is apparent that not all of her vision is there.

 

[valmom]

Oh, good for you for taking this poor dog in. My daughter has a pug named Howard...they are real characters! We used to babysit for him once in awhile when she lived closer.

 

[miss_thenorth]

My dd is taking pics right now, hope to have some uploaded soon.




We're calling her Daisy

 

[valmom]

I hate to say it but if she has a name, she is most likely staying

 

[tortoise]

I would take advantage of whatever sight she has, and teach her behaviors that will help her cope with blindness.

My fiance knows a blind lab that loves to play fetch in the lake. The owner will throw a toy out into the water. She'll listen to the splash, then run into the water and swim to get it!