Sophie
By ginellie
9 comments
My lovely Sophie, a cavalier kc, will be 8 this year. I got her from Battersea dog/cat home in April 2005, she was about 7 months old. At the time I noticed she had one blocked nostril and a slightly crusty right eye. However I didn’t worry too much as I was taking her to see my vet immediately. He thought things would clear up and all would be ok.
A few months later I noticed she had a lump on her leg and the vet decided to remove it and, whilst under the anaesthetic, thought he would try to ‘flush out’ the eye and nose. Unfortunately this made things much worse and he did admit that. Some time later we moved and I had to find another vet. This one said she had Dry Eye, common with cavaliers, and from then on prescribed endless different ointments, drops, etc. none of which made much difference. We have been trying things for several years now. Well, that vet moved on and the next one said ‘oh, just wash her eye out with optrex, it’s as good as anything’! I wasn’t too happy after everything that had gone before.
A few weeks ago a friend told me about a new Vet near us so I decided to get a second opinion. What a different opinion it was. He said it is a problem with the nerves on the right hand side of her head (she is deaf now) and nothing to do with her eye. Having established that I have insurance he suggested that she needs an MRI scan because it is a middle ear problem, and then maybe an operation on her ear. I am completely confused now. The insurance company will pay for this but I really don’t want her to have an anaesthetic because she has a heart murmer and the last vet said he would never advise it.
I have been thinking about what is best for weeks now and suddenly I thought why not ask my friends on Goy because I know many of you have dogs. I want to do the best for her but we seem to be managing now with Maxitrol drops and a gel to simulate tears – but that, of course, does nothing for her ear.
I would be so grateful for your opinions and advice. G
19 Jan, 2012
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Comments
Thanks Bjs. I know the eye problem is rife with cavaliers but I am confused by the new diagnosis of 'all coming from the ear' and nothing to do with the eye. Strange after all these years of eye medication I thought.
19 Jan, 2012
Aww Sorry to hear of Sophies problems, it is hard to make these choices, especially when they are getting on and have other issues. The heart condition is the main concern. I found this maybe one of the contributers could advise.
www.cavaliers.co.uk/articles/mvd.htm
I would also have another talk to the Vet without taking Sophie with you, it helps you to focus on the answers if your not looking in to her big eyes..I am sure that you will do what is best, trust your instinct and what you know about Sophie...
Wishing you the best..xx
19 Jan, 2012
Ginellie
I am no expert Just pick up bits as i Walk with other dog owners,but as with in humans if we get a blocked nose for instance we soon have a ear ache and runny eyes and more. Sophie has the disadvantage of restricted canals due to her shape.this all adds up against her.
20 Jan, 2012
Have you tried a homoepathic vet , Ginellie ? They would be very gentle and non invasive , and might just do the trick . Worth a try .
20 Jan, 2012
Thank you all for your interest and comments. I think to see the vet without Sophie is a very good idea Pimpernel and I certainly will. No, Driad, I haven't tried a homeopathic vet but as you say it is certainly worth a try. Sometimes I think vets see £ signs flashing before their eyes when we walk in. The MRI scan will be £1,500 and who knows what an operation might cost. I know the insurance will pay, but I just feel if it's not life threatening then it's better left alone. Anyway it's great to have all your thoughts and opinions. Thank you again.
20 Jan, 2012
Sorry to hear about Sophie. Ultimately, the decision is yours and I think you'll have to weigh up all the pros and cons about putting her through an operation. I'm sure you'll come to the right decision. Sorry, I'm not much help but I have had sick pets and they do cause anxiety. Best wishes. Sheila X
20 Jan, 2012
Thank you Sheilar. At the moment she has her friend Dyson the Westie staying. They ignore each other all day and then sit together in the evening.
20 Jan, 2012
A bit like an old married couple eh? lol
20 Jan, 2012
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This is a well known breed fault,my son has had two of them one worse than the other they both lived with it to ten years of age.
Its a tricky one you have to way up the risk associated with the heart murmur against any gain from an operation,i am not sure you will get a vet to operate anyway.
Don't think people on here will do other than express sympathy which as dog owners we all will.
Have you tried Google,there are lot of very knowledgeable people out there,may be you could be guided by one of them.
xx
19 Jan, 2012