Blindness

Blindness is a common condition among companion animals that can arise from a wide variety causes, including trauma, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, and many others. Veterinarypartner.com is a great source of information about the various conditions that can cause blindness in pets. Luckily, most blind pets can still live a very full and happy life. The most important factor in ensuring the comfort and happiness of these special companions is that any pain associated with the condition has been alleviated. Here is an example:

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye is too high. This can occur from a variety of causes and is very uncomfortable. It also leads to blindness if not treated. Treatment for this condition usually consists of topical eye drops and sometimes oral medication. When successful, treatment leads to the eye pressures returning to normal or near normal and the pain resolving. If these treatment approaches are not successful, the eye can remain blind and painful. In this situation, the best option is to have the eye removed through a surgical procedure called enucleation. This will alleviate the pain associated with glaucoma and lead to improved quality of life.

Pets that are blind are typically just as happy as pets that have sight and usually are able to adapt to their disability with ease. Their other senses, especially hearing and smell, are enhanced to compensate for their loss of vision. There are some things that an owner should do, however, to ensure their happiness and safety. These are suggestions that will apply to some, but not necessarily all, situations.

1. Blind pets will memorize where obstacles (furniture, stairs, doors) are and quickly learn to avoid them. Rearranging furniture or leaving objects on the floor (ie, having a messy house) can interfere with this and cause undue distress.

2. Blind dogs must be kept on a leash or enclosed in a fenced-in yard when outside. It is also best that they be attended at all times when outside. This will prevent them from accidentally wandering off and getting lost, wandering into dangerous places (roads), and encountering other animals (other dogs, wild animals, etc).

3. Blind dogs are able to play totally normally with other dogs, and interactions with other dogs should be encouraged. However, there are occasions when dogs that are playing get into a fight. Since blind dogs are more vulnerable to attack and injury than a sighted dog, these interactions should occur under supervision to ensure that the interaction remains friendly.

4. Blind cats should be indoor-only cats. Because they lack the sense of sight, these cats are highly vulnerable to attack from other cats or wild animals, and may also get lost or trapped if allowed outside.

In summary, blind pets are wonderful companions that require just a little extra care and understanding than your average, sighted companion animal. The amount of affection and love they will give you back, however, re-pays that little bit of extra effort 10-fold.