Pupdate: Buck's Eye Consultation

Dr. Burling checking out Buck's eyes

We just returned from Buck's consultation at Animal Eye Specialists. Dr. Burling and her tech, Julie, are awesome. For those of you just tuning in, Buck has advanced cataracts that completely obstruct his vision. He can't see a thing. Today's consultation basically served as an opportunity for the vet to examine the eyes, see how severe the cataracts are, and evaluate whether Buck is a good candidate for surgery. Cataract surgery is only performed if the eye is healthy and if sight can be restored. For these reasons, diagnostics have to be done before determining the next step.

Buck's exam went pretty well. Dr. Burling said the left cataract is chronic and older than the right one. She saw some scarring in the left eye, meaning that the cataract has shrunken and/or shifted with time and caused further irritation. The right cataract is less dense and a bit newer, which is good. Both eyes are irritated, but the pressure in both is normal so that's a big relief. We have to go back in a couple weeks for additional diagnostics (retina exam, etc.), but as of right now Dr. Burling believes Buck's right eye is prime for surgery. Assuming nothing unexpected is found during the retinal exam, Dr. Burling estimates with 95% certainty that Buck's vision can be restored to the right eye. The left eye is more complicated due to the cataract's age and severity. She's not as confident about the retinal health in the left eye. If the retina isn't in good shape, there's no point in removing the cataract. If the retina is healthy and we remove the left cataract, Buck will regain his vision in that eye barring complications.

So sleepy after his appointment

Obviously there are a lot of variables and "ifs" involved here, but how amazing! I learned so much from this consultation today and I'm super excited by the prognosis for Buck. I'm trying not to get ahead of myself, but I can't help but imagine how incredible it will be to bring him home after surgery when he can SEE again for the first time. Dr. Burling sent us home with special eye drops today to reduce the inflammation in Buck's eyes. We'll see what St. Francis wants to do and proceed from there. If we move forward, diagnostics and surgery could be only two short weeks away. Folks - this is a VERY expensive surgery. I don't want to ask for donations until we get the final go-ahead, but please be ready to share Buck's story. St. Francis is going to need all the support we can get in order to make this happen for Buck. PAWS UP for this step forward...and paws crossed for even more good news. If you haven't already, don't forget to check out Buck's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bluebeltonbuck 

PS - The mass Dr. Osterman removed from Buck's chin was benign! Hurray!!