Regardless of what I may be doing in, or out of the house, I can always count on much “intended assistance” from my canine companion Liz. Yup, always anxious to help in any way possible.
Unfortunately, Liz was recently diagnosed with Pannus, or superficial keratitis, (a progressive auto immune eye disease, which if not treated, could lead to complete blindness) yes, an “out of the blue” heartbreak that emerged quite suddenly like so many things in life inevitably do. What I incorrectly believed to be a common temporary allergic reaction, ie, extra “sleep” and bloodshot eyes, suddenly took on a more serious meaning when I noticed what appeared to be a small “blood clot type growth” in her right eye. That was on a Saturday. Sunday morning the left eye had a similar growth so an appointment was made on Monday morning with our vet.
(After learning of the disease and LATER researching the matter, turns out Liz had displayed the TEXT BOOK symptoms of the disease onset which I had IGNORANTLY BUT EXACTLY recorded in a written report furnished to our Vet on Monday. I kid you not! Until he furnished the disease name and some of the consequences, I had no idea what was going on as it came about so fast. First the right eye was affected at the 10-11 o’clock outside position (not sure exactly how long), but then left eye, 3-4 o’clock position the following Sunday morning!
“FELT LIKE I WAS HIT BY A DIESEL OR A GREYHOUND BUS!”
(old Alice Cooper lyric)
Factors believed to trigger this disease are the common air born culprit pollutants affecting many animals with eye hypersensitivities: wind, dust, pollen, air born chemicals, smoke, etc., however, UV light (Ultraviolet light) sensitivity has also been linked.
Apparently, as with so many diseases (human and otherwise) traced to autoimmune disorders, Pannus involves the body’s INCORRECT detection of something wrong OR INVADING THE BODY and assistance/repair begins in the form of “vascular tissue” forming in the cornea (the clear part of the eye). As the small capillaries bring blood to the “incident area requiring this “over-board unnecessary assistance” the cornea begins to cloud, almost like a cataract and if untreated will result in complete blindness.
BAD NEWS: NO CURE
GOOD NEWS: Eye drops twice a day will stop the vascular tissue production – but once started can NEVER STOP or the disease returns with a vengeance. Curiously, Pannus is usually associated with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) where this vascular tissue (tissue full of small blood capillaries causing the inflammation) grows between the moving joints causing pain and inflammation. Pannus also grows around artificial heart valves – and no doubt in many other situations I haven’t read about or have even been discovered yet.
We started the eye drops immediately and the very next day (Tuesday) progress was observed (sleep like discharge completely gone). Although there appears to be some permanent damage detected it is minor and does not seem to have seriously compromised her vision. I read a number of articles by owners who later discovered AFTER THE FACT that their beloved pet was completely blind, but due to residing and living in the same environment the animal had compensated with the other senses thus outwardly presenting the appearance of an otherwise full vision functioning animal that was actually completely blind!
I felt sick recalling all those days and nights of the thick “fog like” smoke due to the wildfires….and my own firebreak and debris burning. I thought about the many hours poor Liz (in fact all my canine companions) spent outdoors with me in our typically very bright CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE DAYS while working on the property and maintaining landscaping – (naturally with frequent breaks and games of chase!) I felt very guilty as I reflected on my always wear sunglasses yet my best friend had no protection what-so-ever from the bright light. I just took it for granted animals have naturally adjusted. Never considered my best friend also required such protection.
“WE” were discussing the matter that evening (after the morning’s very disheartening diagnosis and our second round of eye drops) Side note: I believe this a blessing in the respect I will be taking better care of my own eyes as a result of caring for Liz since I have been using “drops” for many years and will be less likely to skip a treatment while caring for my companion. We simply take our meds at the same time and relax for a few minutes together!
(Perhaps we will actually avail ourselves to some calming do-it-yourself “Medication Music” for our mutual “treatment time” like Nurse Ratched used on “ONE FLEW OVER THE COO-COOs NEST”? LOL! Actually, she is “accepting” the drops without problem already! Psst…she knows there’s a “cookie” coming afterwards. )
Anyway, that evening on the back deck while evaluating the day’s activities and what our future plans might be, I blurted out: “surely someone out there has created a solution to this UV light problem?”
Liz cocked her head to the side in her classic “highly attentive listening position” when I proposed: “let’s check the internet” – and inside we proceeded for some research.
ENTER REX SPECS GOGGLES!
REX SPECS GOGGLES – 100% UV light protection!
The realization that assistance was out there actually tested the functioning of my own eyes a bit and the information presented on assisting Liz with the transformation was sincerely appreciated as well as right on the mark!
Starts with just getting use to the goggles. Sniffing, touching, watching me practice putting the lens in, taking it out, changing the lens, stretching the straps, adjusting, etc. Putting them on her, taking them off. Associating “GOOD EXPERIENCES” with the goggles – her first 20 mile truck ride proved they were also useful in protection from insect impacts when hanging out the window sniffing cows!
I even refer to my glasses as goggles, and her goggles as glasses! The other night she was sitting directly in front of me, I also was sitting and leaned over to tap her right lens with a pencil, I then tapped the right lens of my glasses, then tapped her left lens, then my left lens, all the while talking about “GOOD PROTECTION FOR OUR EYES”.
Yesterday, while cleaning up storm damage and routing drainage, I wondered what project Liz was working on at the time? Where is she? So I called her “Lizzie what are you doing?” As usual she immediately responded with a clear answer.
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lol
SO much for worrying if the goggles will interfere with her normal “work routine” – in fact, they seem to only be expanding her adventures!
My best to you and yours, Lew
