Tuesday afternoon Annie had to go back to her ophthalmologist for an annual check-up. About 8 years ago she was diagnosed with a condition commonly called dry-eye. If left untreated, an animal will go blind. We didn’t know how we’d ever be able to afford a seeing eye service animal for Annie, so we began routine exams and daily eye drops instead. She gets a drop in each eye twice daily.
At 2:30 we pulled up to the Eye Clinic for Animals in Olympia, WA.
After a quick potty stop Annie was ready to go in….or not!
We were ushered into an exam room by the able assistant. We took Annie off leash so she could walk around the room and sniff all the scents of the other dogs that had been there before her turn. We got to read 3 year old magazines while we waited.
Annie is thinking, “do I really need to be here?”
Dr. Pennie Cooley is the doctor. She is a wonderful veterinarian who is very kind and gentle with her patients. She has a room full of equipment just like you would find in a people office. Eyes are eyes, I guess!
Annie’s turn finally arrives. Dr. Cooley is on the right and her assistant is on the left. Dr. Cooley checks the eye pressure in each eye also. She uses the special scope to look deep into the eye. Then she has to measure the tear production level. She does this by numbing the eye with a drop and then putting a paper strip into the eye under the lid. This must stay there for one or two minutes and gets repeated in the other eye.
Dr. Cooley tests the tear production level.
The test results indicated that Annie’s tear production is barely into the normal range, but is still normal. We will not need to change the medication she gets twice daily. She is now off the hook for another exam for 1 year. She is glad about that I’m certain. She does not like having those stick things put into her eye! Can’t say that I blame her on that one. At least we did not need to go shopping for a seeing eye dog for her.
Until next time…..so long for now!
Annie and I have the same condition...I hate those eye drops too, Annie. If I'm real good and take my drops, I treat myself to an extra dark chocolate kiss...Annie deserves a little dog treat (which I am sure she gets!)I have a problem with mascara... does Annie??? They're just like having more kids, aren't they?? We spoil, pamper, discipline, laugh and cry over them...Big wet doglip kisses to Annie...
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Annie's good to go for another year! I can sympathize with her, I hate going to the doctor. :)
ReplyDeleteI think we animal people are so fortunate to have the level of care & expertise that is provided for pets nowadays. Years ago Annie would have had no choice but to lose her site. Two thumbs up for the young folks choosing to devote their lives to the animal world & specialize in the Veterinary field.
ReplyDeleteOh boy, 3 year old magazines!
ReplyDeleteWe used to have a one eye'd kitty who developed problems in her only eye. She went to the kitty ophthalmologist too. I'm glad Annie is doing well.
Sure glad to hear Annie's o.k. as your post heading had me a bit worried! I don't think anyone would like to have those stick things put in their eyes - I know I sure wouldn't.
ReplyDeletegood news for Annie!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's good for Annie glade she is doing well.As you know we have a few dogs and they are part of the fam...
ReplyDeleteSo glad to read that Annie's appointment went well. Can't imagine how she coped with those paper strips in her eyes - sounds horrible. Give her a pat on the head and a hug...good girl!
ReplyDeletePoor little thing. I don't know how she held still for it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless Annie!
ReplyDeleteGlad that Annie doesn't have go back for another year. I can relate too. Dry eyes aren't fun. I'm glad that I don't get those stick things in my eyes. The puff of air is bad enough.
ReplyDeleteGlad Annie is doing well! I was just in a vets office for the first time in a very long time and it was just like a people's doctor's office.
ReplyDeleteThings have sure changed.
A seeing eye dog for a dog? Is there such a thing? Or are you joking, as I suspect?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm glad to hear that Annie's eyes are good to go for another year. Hopefully she won't need a "dog for the deaf", either!
Thank God she is ok and only has to go through that once a year.
ReplyDeleteWe are dog lovers too, but we are so happy that we don't have one of our own anymore! We borrow dogs that walk by and give them a hug or an ear scratch. So glad Annie's doing OK. I sure don't like the drops and eye pressure tests and all that stuff. What I'm wondering is ... how does Annie determine which letters are which on the eye chart?
ReplyDelete