Thank you to everyone who's been wishing me well with my current eye problems.
I was back at the Pride Veterinary Centre on Friday where my eye specialist was very pleased with how my eye was improving - slowly - but I have to keep on with the eye drops and ointment for another three weeks and then go back and see her again.
What I have got - deep breath - is called Nodular Granulomatous Episcleritis. According to what I've read on the Internet, Cocker Spaniels and Collies get it a lot. And me, apparently.
It's in my left eye - which by coincidence the Man Of The House took this charming picture of before the trouble started.
It can be a long term condition and my eye doctor says no-one really knows what causes it - although UV rays are one possible factor.
Anyway, on this visit to the Pride Centre I met a really nice Yorkshire Terrier called Lizzie in the waiting area. She was 14 and with her folks who told the LOTH that she had quite a lot of heart problems and other issues. She was really nice and we got on well and sitting with her helped to calm me down and stop me shaking so much. I hope she was OK.
It got me thinking about getting older, and that made me think about this book - Living With An Older Dog - that was published recently by Hubble & Hattie.
You may recognise the name of the publishers as they are the same people who have published our friend Peggy Frezon's great book - Dieting With My Dog - recently.
I would urge you to check out Hubble & Hattie's website as they only publish animal books and you will find some GREAT books there.
Anyway, Living With An Older Dog is a really useful book, and me and the LOTH are really pleased that Hubble & Hattie sent us a copy to review recently.
It's packed full of useful facts about the changes that dogs go through - mentally and physically - as they get older. It's really not a depressing read because there are lots and lots of positive things about getting older (whether you are a dog OR a person!) and we should never forget that.
I love living in retirement with my family as I have my own space where I can go when I want to be alone and sleep and I can be with the family when I want some company and hugs and fuss. I still really enjoy a game in the garden - and I LOVE my walks and trips in the car - but I also like having peace and quiet.
The LOTH says we'll be keeping this book close to hand as it has lots of useful information and it's very reassuring. It's written by David Alderton - a trained vet - and Derek Hall - an experienced pet writer who has owned and trained lots of dogs himself. They know their stuff. There's lots of practical advice about travelling and holidaying with older dogs and diet and special care that might be needed.
I know we all rely on our vets for lots of advice and support, but me and the LOTH think this book is a nice addition to have at home as well.
I have got a little bit fed up of the eye drops - but for now I am down to just four eye drops a day (from six) and two lots of ointment and I am getting little bits of cheese as a treat for being a good girl about it all.
If any of my blogging friends out there have any experience of this NGE eye problem I'd love to hear from you to compare notes!
24 comments:
I'm glad your eye is improving, Winnie. I will keep my paws crossed for continued improvement.
Stewey
Oh I do hope that your eye thing gets better Winnie. Although I would hold out for continued cheese if I were you!
Your friend Lizzie does sound extra specially nice. I wonder if you will meet her again some time?
Gail says she wishes that she had known about that Living with an Older Dog book through the last years of her old dog Hamish's life.
Just now she thinks she needs a book about how to deal with a dog that is bouncing off the walls most of the time.
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
Hi Winnie, sorry to hear about your eye, I'm been a bit busy lately so not been visiting, that does sound a good book, mom said with Jack her last dog he went deaf so she used alot of signing with her hands which worked, he was 15 when mom had to let him go.
Have a good week
See Yea George xxx
OoH Winnie,
I am so very sorry to hear about your eye too and so happy dat is is improving. I will send you some boxer puppy prayers right away!
Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae
Come on Winnie; you can do better than cheese. That eye has to be worth a decent bit of sirloin at least! Deccy x
that is the biggest name for a little eye... you better get extra treats for having that bad eye
Benny & Lily
We agree with Declan, four times a day demands more than just a piece of cheese. BOL But seriously, Winnie, we hope that this course of meds will make your eye be all better soon and stay that way.
That book sounds like a good read, and with our Phantom approaching 13 in November, we bet it has lots of good suggestions. Thanks for telling us about it.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Winnie, Morgan says she feels your pain. She has atypical pannus, so she has to have drops in her eyes twice a week. She's not too fond of it, but usually tolerates it.
Pannus is another eye disease that can be inflamed by UV light. Did your vet suggest you wear Doggles outside? I have some pink ones and I think they make me look rather smart!
Bunny
Got my paws crossed dat the treatment goes well and will be successful. You'll be all back to 100% before you nose it!
Oh, Winnie, I hope everything goes well for you and you continue to improve.
We'll check into that book. We're living with Kendra.....
Haven't run into that eye problem. Hope the medicine clears is up....and if it doesn't, there's always cheese.
XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella
I hate the thought that my doggies are getting towards middle age, but am reminded every time I look at the expanding amount of grey on their muzzles!
Poor Winnie. I guess the eye drops and ointment routine is getting a bit tedious by now. But I know the end result will be worth all the cheese you're having to eat;) I've never heard of NGE. Will have to check out the link you included.
With Beryl and Frankie just being 5 and 4 years old I'm a few years away from living with an older dog. I have lived with plenty of them before and it never hurts to have a reference book when little (or big) problems crop up.
Song and I are sending you big hugs (((Winnie))) and hoping your eye is soon much better.
Going to look for that book now.
I have Pannus which means I have to have eye drops, two kinds twice a day, FOR LIFE!!
It's not that bad. I try to give mom the stink/guilty eye but she's over it. Hope you get better soon!!!
Hey Winnie!
Wow, I am sending you a bunch of my bestest healing vibes! I also have pannus and it's no fun either. Ointment is icky, but this is usually good for some extra scritches and treats!
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP
Glad your eye is getting better!
Swing on by for a visit some time!
Kari
dogisgodinreverse.com
I sure is happy that your eye is getting better, just keep it up!
woos, Tessa
I'm going to have to check out that book. Our Roxie turned 12 this year, and she's having some problems. I hope your eye continues to improve. Please keep us posted. Thanks for sharing the book!
Oh Winnie, I've been out of the loop and just read about your eye trouble. How you feel better.
Poor Winnie! I hope your eye gets back to normal.
That book sounds absolutely awesome. I think about aging dogs as well a lot - Jess isn't getting any younger.
Keep the positive side foremost...good luck and thinking about you!
Sorry to hear about this Winnie. Hope the eye drops continue to bring about improvement. Not fun, but necessary.. and hey, there's the cheese!
I hope your eye gets better soon!
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