Anyone know a dog with this eye condition?

There's been V.E.T visiting since I blogged last.

I've managed to put a few quick updates on my Facebook page - but for blog followers, the story so far goes like this.....

The Lady Of The House rang the vets on Thursday because she and the MOTH thought the eye thingy (which I've had since September) looked a bit bigger again. They thought the 'eye vet' would just say to do a few more drops again (because she'd told us to cut down at Christmas when it had got smaller). But she said she wanted to see me and  I should go straight over.

The 'eye vet' had a good look and said she thought the time had come to 'surgically decluster' it because it wasn't really responding to the steroid drops and cream. So she did some blood tests to check my health ahead of a possible general anaesthetic.

Then she rang back Saturday night to say some of the test results looked a bit odd and she wanted them re-done. When I mentioned this on Facebook one of my 'likers' sent me a link to this really helpful info about what greyhound blood tests are sometimes not like other dogs. (I always KNEW we were special).

So tonight we went to the vets in Stapenhill (nearer where we live) to re-do some blood tests - but THIS time they said I couldn't have anything to eat after breakfast!!! How awful!!! The LOTH made my breakfast an hour later than usual but it didn't help much.

I was very confused this afternoon when it got to dinner time and there was no dinner. I roo-ed a bit (quite a lot if I'm honest) and the LOTH said she thought it was the longest afternoon EVER (and so did I!!).

Anyway, we wait now for the re-done test results to see if they think they should go ahead with the op....but the LOTH is feeling a bit confused about whether we should have it or not and probably needs another long talk to the 'eye vet'. She did talk to them about the article on greyhound blood tests so she is very pleased we had that information thanks to Denise.

This condition (which the 'eye vet' is virtually sure I've got) is called Nodular Granulomatous Episcleritis. It looks like this on me:

It doesn't hurt or affect my vision.

You were all very helpful  and supportive when I blogged about it back in October, but if anyone who's started following me since then has any experience of this NGE eye condition - we'd love to hear from you.

On the PLUS side I got to try 'Sea Jerky' for the first time tonight, They bought some at the vets so I could have a treat as soon as I got out. It's crunchy pieces of dried fish skin and it's GORGEOUS!!

An eye update - and the 'joys' of ageing

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!