Re: Re: OT animal cataracts

Thanks, Kitty.  From my web research, I find it is always referred to as
Very Expensive.  The difference between a single surgical session doing 1
eye and doing 2 eyes is "relatively small" - they seem to recommend doing
both at once.  I have a lot of trouble  putting a price tag on my pet's
vision - now I understand why people end up spending their life's savings on
their pets - it's not easy to draw the line.

If I did not know there were animal opthomologists specializing in animal
cataract surgery I would just deal with his eventual blindness (again having
read that cats & dogs normally adjust fairly easily - indoors, that is).
One of our other cats has a big area of scar tissue on one of her corneas -
as a feral kitten she had a bad eye infection and by the time we rescued her
and treated the infection the damage was done.  They can't fix that.  She
would be in trouble outside with limited vision in that eye, but she's fine
inside.  Looks like this generation of cat-children is going to teach us
about cat vision.

I have more to think about - thanks again.

Libby

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kitty" <kmrsy@comcast.net>
To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2004 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: [CHAT] Re: OT animal cataracts


> Libby, that's a shame.  My Braveheart, about 9yrs, has cataracts in one
eye.
> Every year I'd ask the vet about treatments and he would poo-poo it; said
> he'd be fine.  It makes him sort of nervous because he can't see clearly.
> Well, we were just in last month for his annual checkup and I asked again.
> He said that most of the sight in that eye is probably gone, but that cats
> adjust.  However, your cat's problem is in both eyes and I can see why
> you're worried.
>
> If I were in your shoes, I'd say that much depends on that price tag and
any
> guarantees you'd receive.  I haven't got a clue what this would cost, but
if
> it is in the 1000s of $s, I might be inclined to let him go blind.  Not
> because I care more about the money (though it must be considered unless
> you're wealthy) than I do about my cats, but because he will be ok without
> the surgery and that money can be put to work benefitting more animals.
> Since he is an indoor cat and he's not blind yet, he will spend the next
few
> years learning every micro-inch of your home.  Over time, every smell and
> sound will be cataloged in his little brain.  Cats have surprisingly long
> memories.  As long as you have a more or less quiet home without too many
> sudden bursts of kids screaming and unexpected noises, etc, he will
probably
> be quite happy.  My guess is that as his sight disappears he will be more
> inclined to be right there with you whenever possible.  So you may have to
> be a little bit careful so that you don't stumble over him.
>
> Many years ago I was faced with the choice of surgery for my 15 yr old
> Orangecat.  There were no guarantees he would survive the surgery.  I
> decided he'd had a better 14 yrs with me than many cats experience and it
> was time to let go.  By not spending that $, I was able to take in 2 more
> cats.  It was a terribly hard choice to make, but I don't regret it.
> Conversely, Mick, at about 4yrs, experienced a life-threatening blood
> problem requiring complete transfusions, etc.  There were no guarantees,
but
> he was young and otherwise healthy.  I spent the $800 and he pulled
through
> just fine.  Definitely worth it.
>
> A second opinion is a good idea if it is a vet whose opinion you trust.
In
> the end, the decision is yours.  I suppose if I were the cat I'd like to
at
> least be able to see with ONE eye.  Ask if that's an option and the
> difference in $.
>
> Kitty
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Libby Valentine" <L_Valentine@adelphia.net>
> To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
> Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2004 4:07 PM
> Subject: [CHAT] Re: OT animal cataracts
>
>
> > Anybody had the misfortune to have to deal with cataracts in a young
> animal
> > (cat in this case), or had a blind pet?
> >
> > Took the most recent addition in for his checkup - we took him in a year
> ago
> > Thanksgiving and best guess is he's 3-4 years old.  He's a totally
indoor
> > cat since rescue.  Vet says he now has cataracts in both eyes, probably
> > hereditary.  She wants me to take him to an animal opthamologist and go
> the
> > surgery route.  I do not necessarily think that's the best idea:
> > considering just logistics there are only 4 specialists in the state,
all
> an
> > hour or more away, and the surgery requires pre-op visits and testing,
> > surgery, serious post-op care, and a ton of follow-up visits.  Along
with
> a
> > very large price tag, I understand.
> >
> > The alternative is he slowly goes blind - from reading I understand this
> is
> > much less traumatic for dogs/cats than humans, but still...  I have
> > reinstated the vitamin C supplement and am also adding a small amount of
> > antioxidant to his breakfast.
> >
> > I'm thinking to wait 6 months then take him to my other vet for a status
> > check and another opinion.
> >
> > Any experiences to share would be appreciated,
> >
> > Libby
> >
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