Corneal Ulcer - Updated

[PennyB]

Pleased its all starting to heal now and you're feeling more positive

[elaine.e]

We took Willow back to the vets yesterday as we were worried because her eye was half open and we could see the third eyelid but he said that it was ok and we should bring her back in ten days time to have the stitches removed.
Today we had to go back again as her eye was fully open with the third eyelid not visible. The vet looked at her eye and said willow had burst the stiches but not to worry as her eye is healing well, and then he removed the stitches. We are so pleased but a little worried in case it is too soon.
As for the PRA, he said it was not meant to be a positive diagnoses but just that when looking into her eyes he saw something in the back of her retinas which triggered his suspicion and thought we should know. We are trying to feel positive but in all honesty we would rather we hadn't been told and just the thought of Willow going blind at such a young age is breaking our hearts, especially as our last cocker spaniel, Millie, developed thrombocytopenia at just about the same age and lost her fight for life aged just six years old.

Good news that Willow's eye is healing well .

With regard to the possible PRA diagnosis, if Willow was mine I'd take her to a specialist ophthalmic vet to get a proper diagnosis. Hopefully there's absolutely nothing to worry about, but there a few conditions that can cause changes to the retina, not just PRA. At least you will know for sure one way or the other, and for me that would be better than not knowing and having a niggling worry at the back of my mind all the time. But it's your decision of course.

The DNA testing for PRA in Cockers is only for the most common type in the breed. Because Willow's parents were both tested clear it's highly unlikely that she will develop it. But there are less common types of PRA that occasionally crop up in Cockers and there isn't a DNA test for them. So there's a very slim chance that Willow could be affected.

[MillicentWight]

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[pam1]

I totally agree with Elaine.e,  eyes are so precious I wouldn't take any chances.  At least if you took willow to a specialist you will know one way or the other and know you have done the best for her 

[MillicentWight]

Thank you for your replies.
I agree with you and elaine.e and I am really grateful for the advice but foolish as this may seem, as there is no cure and nothing to slow down the disease or even relieve the symptons I am not sure that getting a diagnosis at this time would be best for us or Willow as it may well destroy the optimism and positivity that we have at the moment which is keeping us sane.
We just love her so much and must try to keep believing she will not lose her sight, something that we just could not cope with. So we will just keep hoping. 

[MillicentWight]

Just a quick update to say that Willow was 'signed off' from the vet today as the eye operation would seem to have been a complete success, so far at least. Apart from being a little red at times, both eyes sparkle now and she is running around like a two year old again. He even said that it's ok for her to go on the beach. We are so pleased, but still a bit apprehensive about the future following the mention of PRA of course which we are still thinking very carefully about.
Meanwhile can I just thank every one for the advice and support.

[zenon_bass]

Quick update on Millie, to say she's had the all clear from our vet!  YAY!

[MillicentWight]

Brilliant. So pleased. Thanks for letting us all know. Willow still seems to be doing well.

[zenon_bass]

Really glad Willow is doing well!

People look askance at Millie's 'Blind dog' lead cover, but she proved beyond doubt yesterday that her vision is failing...  She 'lost' me on the school field, started back tracking using her nose (clever girl) but the breeze had pushed our scent over. One moment I could see her, the next split second, nothing! Ran to check and she'd fallen into the deep grass lined drain that crosses the field! Nothing injured (phew!) just pride and lots of yucky mud up one side.
Once out, it was lead on till we were in the park on a defined cinder track, where she can distinguish edges...
I'll have to ask my blind human friend how he manages: many people aren't aware of his disability, either...

[Suzie Q]

Wonderful news that Willow is doing so well.  We have just (last Tuesday) taken a 6ish year old cocker bitch from RSPCA kennels and although her eyes looked fine when we saw her there since being home she has very red eyes, one worse than the other, with the third eyelid showing.  Our vet has given her Isothal and said come back in a week if there's no improvement, which so far there isn't. She absolutely hates having it put in her eyes too.  It's a concern, as if she needs to see a specialist, as she developed this so quickly she's not covered by insurance.  Can anyone give me a rough idea what it would cost to see an eye specialist if she ends up needing one?

[zenon_bass]

Take a deep breath!
Millie was referred last year to opthamologists in Newmarket. Only one examination as no further treatment was necessary. Seem to remember it cost about £400.
I suspect and hope for you that there are others who would not be so expensive.

However, she still gets eyes much as you describe: our vet has given us Maxitrol drops for use as and when they occur. The vet noted that this had happened at the same time last year, so an allergy is suspected. One day Millie is fine (as on the vet visit day!) and the next she looks as if she's had a night on the tiles! (Took a photo of her to show our vet that I wasnt imagining things!)

Do you give a treat to your dog straight after the drops? Worked wonders for Millie....
Good Luck Suzie Q!