visual impairment

[joolsbeth]

hi, my beautiful wire fox terrier Archie was diagnosed with cushings disease on his annual check when he was nine years old. He had not displayed any of the symptoms we are told to look out for, the thirst, weakness and hair loss etc. Came as a complete shock when I was told by the vet. Following an ultrasound and ACTH test he was started on 60mg of Vetoryl. He is now twelve years old and following several stimulation tests over the three years his medication is now 20mg per day. On the whole he manages quite well, goes for short walks, loves playing with his toy, appetite good (not excessive) and no great thirst. The only problem is that his eyesight is deteriorating quite rapidly and I wondered if their could be a link with either the vetoryl or the cushings. Or is it just that he is now a senior dog and this would have happened anyway! His lack of vision doesn't seem to affect him, I know that dogs can cope much better than humans who lose their eyesight. Was just wondering if anyone else had encountered the same thing.

[Margot49]

I am not seeing vision loss as a symptom of Cushings or as a side effect of Vetoryl but you could run that by your Vet.
Could just be age related.  You see any signs of cloudiness that might suggest cataracts?
It may be Glaucoma, which can be painful and is something that should be checked right away.  Could be PRA but I don't think that is one of the main breeds that can be affected and, yes, could just be old age.  If he us in familiar surroundings, best not to move things as he is familiar with what and where things are now.
Just can't say for sure without a Vet exam.

[Jerry_NJ]

12 years old is "getting up there" even for  a small dog.

I don't know the answer you seek but will share my sympathy and empathy, we have an estimated 9 year old Westie (also a Terrier) that suffers from chronic dry eye.  I treat it twice a day with Optimmune (not sure of the spelling) and was told if I did not do so he would go blind.

I too understand dogs can deal with blindness, especially if they live in a loving accommodating home.  I'm sure Archie is so lucky.

It has not been my experience that dogs go blind with age, but I have limited experience.  Our long ago Coon Hound (mix) live for 15 years and I think he could still see when we decided to end his other physical suffering.. steroids helped for several months before we went to that.  Larger dogs I have delt with didn't live that long, and could see to the end of their lives.

Keep up the good work, Archie appreciates and loves you ....