PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :(

The Miniature Schnauzer is a smallest dog in the Schnauzer breed and originated in the mid-to-late 19th Century from Germany. The Miniature Schnauzer is a cross between the Standard Schnauzer and other smaller breeds such as the Poodle. A miniature Schnauzer is a spunky, but aloof dog who does things their own way. They tend to be good guard dogs without the tendency to bite.
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Flynny
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by Flynny »

Hope all goes OK at the vets. All the best.
Flynn, P&S Mini born 4.10.2009
stephiewoo
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by stephiewoo »

Hi Guys,

So Rufus has been to the vet, had a blood test which cost a fair amount, but hes a happy healthy dog, apart from he has lost sight in his right eye,and has peripheral vision in his left eye.

There was a concern that he could have diabetes, but thankfully he is in fine health.

I have been offered an appointment with an eye specialist which will cost around £200 a consultation, and the vet has been very honest saying that surgery will be in excess of my pet insurance, and the surgery will help initially, but as this is a herediatory condition, the problem will reoccur.

So me and Rufus have had a chat, and we are both happy as we are, as long as hes happy and healthy and isnt in any way harmed by his condition, life is normal.

I have to now sit down with the 4 teenagers in the house and explain shoes etc cannot be left in the middle of the room.....ufus also thanked the vet for the blood test by doing a big poo on the floor :p

I would however say that any advice at all that will help me as an owner and rufus would be greatfully recieved.

You have all been so helpful, and i cant thank you enough.

I will do my bit and contact the breeder and also KC to inform them, as im aware that Rufus is one of 6 schnauzy pups in the litter.
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Claire Farrington
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by Claire Farrington »

I am so sorry to hear that about Rufus but very glad that you are being so positive about it and being responsible in advising the breeder. As others on the forum have already said he will soon adapt. Thanks for letting us know the outcome and please keep us updated on his progress.
Properly Trained a man can be a dog's best friend

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Maty
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by Maty »

So sorry to hear the news but at least you now know for sure. As I said yesterday many dogs on here are partially sighted and they manage just fine.

We are a friendly bunch so hang around and get to know us all a bit better, you may even be able to pick up more hints and tips for life with Rufus :D
Maty

Rodders the Mini Pup, born 10/08/11, came home on 09/10/11
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Eddie
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by Eddie »

That all sounds pretty good.
We have had Mouse (born blind) for over 2 years now and she copes just fine. At times we forget that she is blind, she gets around so well. There are books (we bought one) and websites around with information about blind dogs but to my mind they make too big a deal of it. We have found that Mouse is just fine as long as we use a bit of common sense. Don't move furniture around unnecessarily or leave chairs out and I have found it very helpful to have Mouse out in front when we go for a walk. She loves to run so if we go to the park I usually couple her to Eddie (a normal sighted dog) so she gets to run but still in a bit of a safe way.
If you have any particular concerns please feel free to PM me or post here for discussion.
I think you'll be fine, you have a good attitude.
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stephiewoo
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by stephiewoo »

hehe..just the thought of coupling Rufus to Patch would be so amusing :))

Patch is a greyhound but at 9 he can still run very very fast, the cats are also a comfort to Rufus to, as they are his best mates too.

Ive found out too that the black lump on his back is a heridatory condition for schnauzers too, but i thought it was a wart. Im learning so much this week!

i will stick around this is great, and your all so welcoming.

We did have a first today at the vets, we passed 3 dogs and Rufus didnt bark once ;)
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Eddie
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by Eddie »

stephiewoo wrote:We did have a first today at the vets, we passed 3 dogs and Rufus didn't bark once ;)
Maybe he didn't see them..... :)) =))
Graham, Judie, Eddie (19-03-07 to 25-07-12), Mouse, Daisy and little Reilly. Image
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countrygirl
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by countrygirl »

Oh bless him, I have such a soft spot for any dog called Rufus and he's very lucky to be in such a loving a pragmatic home. A big hug to you all :ymhug:
Rufus: B&S mini 18/3/11 - 19/10/11
Widget: P&S mini 20/10/11
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hula-hoop
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by hula-hoop »

Aww poor rufus, he will adapt quickly though especially with other animals to help him. Must be a stressful time for you, but things will get easier....welcome to the forum btw :-h
Stanley ratbag - s & p mini born 4/6/10
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BeeBee
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by BeeBee »

Can I ask what the condition is that he has, is it PRA?

Eyes are big on my Susie-Belle list of things to know all about as she has a few eye issues we're living with, although not blindness.
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puppypower
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by puppypower »

Im sorry to hear about poor Rufus loosing his eye sight in one eye but good to hear he is healthy other wise.

He will adapt to it in time, I think they have trouble with depth of field with only one eye? But if its of any consolation our Jack russell lost the sight in one eye last year and he is coping fine, even with the four other dogs in the house, he will be 21 this year so I feel if he can cope it should be no real problem for a young chap like Rufus, Tiggi the Jack russel sends his best and says just keep your chin up and you will be fine young man :D
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stephiewoo
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by stephiewoo »

They've not said which condition as yet, but it will get worse in his left eye. A positive is his eye is letting light in still so he can see a shadow effect in his left but nothing at all in his right.
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puppypower
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by puppypower »

stephiewoo wrote:They've not said which condition as yet, but it will get worse in his left eye. A positive is his eye is letting light in still so he can see a shadow effect in his left but nothing at all in his right.
Im very sorry to hear this hugs to Rufus from me and the gang :ymhug:
Dawn (human) and my monochromatic friend Jasper, born 4th April 09 my Mini Schnauzer to the rescue

The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails instead of their tongues.
- Unknown
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Suzie
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by Suzie »

Hugs to Rufus. I am sure with your love and care he will be just fine... he will be loving all the extra cuddles I am sure.

Just out of curiosity - with schnauzers being prone to eye problems, is there anything you can give them eg. a supplement with their food to attempt to prevent this kind of thing in advance?
At the beck and call of Sawyer, born 20/12/2010.
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Eddie
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Re: PLEASE HELP RUFUS AGED 3 AND 7 MONTHS SUDDEN BLINDNESS :

Post by Eddie »

Suzie wrote:Just out of curiosity - with schnauzers being prone to eye problems, is there anything you can give them eg. a supplement with their food to attempt to prevent this kind of thing in advance?
Sadly I think it's something in the genes.
If it's there, diet or anything else is not going to make any difference.
Graham, Judie, Eddie (19-03-07 to 25-07-12), Mouse, Daisy and little Reilly. Image
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