Personal History: Sherman Update
 
I took Sherman back to the ophthalmologist today---sadly, his left eye has worsened. The doctor said he’s not seen a case progress this rapidly before. Given that, surgery is not indicated---the chances that vision would return to his left eye after the cataract is removed, given all the other eye problems he is having, is pretty low. Luckily, he told me (and I have also read elsewhere) that almost invariably blind dogs adapt very well to their situation (for one thing, unlike with humans, sight is not their primary sense). Already Sherman seems to be doing that. He walks around OK, but slowly, and bumps into things---he seems to know that’s going to happen so he’s worked out the strategy of walking slow to sort of feel his way around. I’ve also been spreading treats around on the floor, which is very  motivating to him---it gets him up and wandering around the house or backyard trying to pick up all the food. ArshBlog
Saturday, November 25, 2006