I just had a great podcast interview with Dr. Bill Miller, the spokesman for ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists). He and over 200 other vision specialist veterinarians are offering free eye exams for all service animals in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
The registration period ends April 30th so, if you have a wonderful therapy animal, or know of any service animals, be sure to tell them so they can sign up. Having gone through 6 eye surgeries in recent years myself, this is a topic near and dear to my own heart.
Dr. Bill made me laugh, and cry, with his wonderful stories about service dogs and the people who love and depend on them for help.
He also shared symptoms to be aware of with your own animals. Be sure to listen to the interview, okay? It could save a life as well as an eye(s).
I remember one therapy horse I worked with years ago who was behaving oddly when people were on his right side. They couldn’t figure it out. When I spoke with him he told me he couldn’t see anything on that side of his body. The vision in his right eye had suddenly gone “dark”. Sadly, his people hadn’t known when it happened, so he didn’t receive the proper treatment quickly enough to save his vision.
Communicating with him helped us determine what he could see, and together we were able to find ways to help him feel more secure and comfortable. When my dog, Einstein, was just a little fella, I occasionally wondered about his vision too. He ran into things constantly and was extra cautious of going into dark areas. As he grew up, we had numerous conversations about his vision. It turned out that he was a little nearsighted like his Momma (me), and did occasionally experience visual distortions, along with a headache at times. Fortunately, he is fine now.
Vision, both subtle and physical, is a very precious thing. If you suspect a problem, be sure to take action. Talking with your pet can make a huge difference, and opens the channel so they can tell you when they have a problem if they hurt or are experiencing a loss of vision. Seeking appropriate vet care in a timely way can help save their life, as well as their vision.
Much love to you and your furrkids,
Val
Chief Seattle: “Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
Check out the Podcast Interview here!
Saving the Eye Sight of Service Animals, Dr. Bill Miller on the Real Dr Doolittle Show™
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