|
|
|
Gofer's Cataract Surgery
Advancing years had taken a toll on Gofer's eyesight. He developed cataracts, which continued to worsen over several years. His vision was compromised - cataracts covering about 40% in one eye and about 50% in the other. The decision to have him undergo surgery was a difficult one to make. At 14 years old, his age was an issue, but he was in excellent physical condition and health and had a good outlook for many more years. The surgery was scheduled to remove the cataracts and implant artificial lenses.
The day of surgery was a difficult day, as we waitied patiently for the call from the veterinarian's office. At about 2:00 P.M. the call came. Gofer's surgery was a success and he was recovering nicely. We were delighted and relieved!
The first shock came when we picked him up. I'm sure I had been told that he would have his face shaved, but I hadn't thought about it and I was shocked to see my beautiful Corgi looking much like an opposum. His face was shaved and he looked very unhappy with his Elizabethian collar. Bald faced and still groggy from his medication, we went home with a bagful of medications and a long list of specific instructions. He was on a total of six medications, four eyedrops and two pills, which he needed from 1 to 4 times each daily. Quite a schedule! By that evening, we were noticing a huge improvement in his eyesight. We were told that his vision would improve over a two week period, and I'm sure it has, but the immediate change was remarkable.
At his second check up, one week after his surgery, it was discovered that, despite the collar, he had torn a stitch in his left eye. What was to be a routine check up turned into a second surgery to re-suture the incision. Again, all went well and he came home later that day.
We would like to thank Dr. Susan Carastro of Animal Eye Specialty of West Palm Beach and Deerfield Beach, Florida for her care of Gofer and patience with his overprotective parents, Dr. Tim Cutler, Mark, and the caring and helpful staff always willing to go the extra mile. They have been patient and helpful every step of the way and have taken the time needed to reassure us. We are very grateful for each of them. We look into Gofer's beautiful eyes and see, not the cloudy gray cataracts we had seen for so long, but the bright brown eyes of his youth. He is more involved in the every day activities going on around him and has a renewed interest in life. Thank you all for giving us our Gofer back.
I will update this page periodically to keep you informed about Gofer's progress. Please check back or write to me if you have any questions about our experience with the procedure.
This picture was taken just a few hours after Gofer's surgery. He was still groggy from the medications, and not at all eager to have his photo taken.
This picture was taken two weeks after surgery. Although he is still wearing the dreadful E-collar, he is much brighter and more energetic.
These pictures show Gofer six weeks after surgery. No more collar and he is back to himself again. He even caught a piece of popcorn tossed to him! Amazing.  
|
|
