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I took Beni to Cornell yesterday for his regular visit. Beni has been having some issues with his vision since mid-July. I took him there last month as a semi-emergency two weeks before his scheduled visit on July 30th because of some different behavior I had been seeing. The villian in all of this is not related to the glaucoma but is now being caused by that cataract deep inside his eye... it's getting worse. Because of the glaucoma issue Beni is not a good candidate for cataract surgery.

Anyway back in July when Beni was examined... Dr Kern told me that the eye itself was substantially clear. Clear enough to where he got a good look at the cataract which he said then appeared to be getting worse. His pressure on that day was 7 which was excellent.

Over the last 6 weeks Beni has been much of the same. He isn't in any discomfort as the glaucoma is being controlled but at times... especially after being given his meds he has struggled at times with his vision. The problem is this... the Xalatan works to reduce the pressure in the eye along with the Cosopt. As a result Beni's pupil also shrinks to almost a pinpoint. As bad luck would have it... this cataract is situated right in front of the pupil which means Beni has to try and look "around" this obstruction.

Yesterday during his examination Dr Ledbetter made the same observation about the cataract. We talked at great length about the glaucoma being under control and Beni's eye pressure continually reading in the single digits. Yesterday the reading was 6. What we talked about was changing the Xalatan from twice a day to once a day at night. The thought was that this would expand Beni's pupil during the day to make it easier for him to see around the cataract. By giving the Xalatan at night would mean that Beni is sleeping through most of it's effect on the pupil. This is a HUGE risk. The doctors have always talked about not wanting to change any of the meds while they have been working so well at keeping the glaucoma under control.

Again we talked about the risk being huge but the eye has been doing well for quite some time. Even a slight rise in pressure would not be detrimental to his sight as long as it stays below 25. The eventual outcome no matter what will still be the same. At some point in time Beni will be blind... but it seems the cataract will be the cause before the glaucoma is.

So today was the first day on the new schedule and it went reasonably well. I could see where Beni had a much better time in getting around and even seemed more alert and active. Of course the pressure is really on me to monitor the eye even more closely than I already am for any changes. At the first sign of any change I am to call them immediately. The good thing is I am on vacation through next week so I can keep close tabs on him.

It was three years ago this past Tuesday that Beni was first diagnosed with glaucoma. We've been through a lot the two of us over this time but he is afterall my velcro dog.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

My thoughts are with you, Bob. It's hard to take chances, but it seems you are going for quality here and that seems a good thing. God Bless you both!
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

It's so great that Beni has such a wonderful advocate working for him. It's so wonderful that you've been able to keep him sighted this long. Paws crossed you can continue it for years more.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

You two have had so many ups and downs. Hope all improves. Good luck to Beni and his Velcro person.

Cheryl

You and Beni are so good to and for each other, Bob. And you take such good care of him. Thanks for keeping up updated. Hope you have a good vacation--with plenty of time with all three dogs!

Dear Bob and Beni, this is such a cruel disease is'nt it. Chevy lost his vision aug 26. it seemed like it happened in an instant. I took him to his opthamologist in Baltimore Md. ( I'm in Pa.) and she did lazer surgery to remove some of the fluid producing cell's and inserted a drainage tube in his eye. He was released from the hospital last Sat night but is still blind. The Dr is saying we have to wait and see once the inflamation goes down if sight will return or not.

I took him today to see the surgeon's associate and he say's the pressure is remaining low (6) if it stay's that way and not to much damage was done during the spike he should regain something.

I am sending good thought's and Prayer's for Beni and you and hope you can keep him sighted as long as possible. I will let you know if anything good happen's on this end....

Our hearts go out to Chevy and his family...
Stay strong and remember that with love you can get through
anything....
Patty

Thank you for the prayers they are very much appreciated. I will be doing the same for Chevy. Was he diagnosed as having glaucoma? Yes.. this is a cruel and relentless disease. it's often called the Silent Thief as it robs our dogs of their sight.

Chevy's pressure at 6 is very good. What kind of tube did they put in his eye. Is it an Ahmed Valve like Beni has or a different procedure? The damage to the optic nerve is the key. How much damage has been done will determine if his sight should return. I will be keeping good thoughts that it will.

It's hard to believe how much glaucoma is prevelant in this breed. There is a Yahoo List that was started by Loretta Cornelius 2 months ago called Sightline that is for the sole purpose of owners with glaucoma dogs to talk and ask questions about this disease. It's a good resource of information to help guide people help their dogs.

It is really sad that for many years reputable Shiba breeders hid the fact that glaucoma was prevelant in this breed for fear of their lines being called tainted. They really did a diservice back in the day and shame on them for doing so.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

We'll be praying for Chevy and you.... Keep us all posted!
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Tammy and Kodi

Bob...I'm so sorry to hear Beni is having problems. I know you have been through so much with him. As much time and money as you and I have spent on our Million Dollar Babies, it's hard to see them going down hill.

Asher has not been doing well. No progress,so he is back on Cyclosporine. Still getting acupuncture. The vet is now thinking about a different treatment. It's hard not to be discouraged when we are fighting such hard battles. For a while everything was looking so good for Asher and Beni.

You and I will keep trying because we love our dogs so much!
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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)

Winona sorry to read that Asher is having problems as well. It is hard and very discouraging when things aren't right. If not for that cataract Beni would be doing great. Hopefully your vet can find a new treatment for Asher to get some weight back on. As long as we can we'll continue to do the very best for our dogs!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.