Blindness

Hi all,a few weeks ago my staffie ( stanley )was diagnosed with diabetes, but unfortunately has now gone blind virtually over night so i was just wondering if anyone else has had the same problem and how did they cope because there is no way i am letting him go even if i have to carry him everywhere so any advice would be most welcome..Thanks..paul

Hi ya Paul, glad you've joined us on the forum.

Sorry to hear about Stanley but dogs are very resilient and adapt. Hopefully someone will be along to offer you some better practical advice

hiya take stanley to places he knows and be careful on stairs etc its a scary prospect but one ill sure you will adapt too best of luck crystal and mia

Thanks

I'm so sorry to hear this, Paul. It must be quite shock.

Dogs are incredibly adaptable creatures and although the loss of sight is a big thing, they do learn to cope. There are a couple of things you can do to help. In the house, get down on your hands and knees and 'see' things from Stanley's perspective. Check that there is a clear run through doorways, for example, and move things that might be in the way in the middle of a room - a coffee table, for example. Then, once you have a good layout, don't change it. He will then know his way round. And of course be careful of leaving things lying around.

Out and about, use a long line so that Stanley can have some freedom to snuffle about but with the support of knowing he's attached to you. It'll probably be easier on him to start off with to stick to familiar walks, keeping to the same route, and then later on see how he copes with going to different places.

I think I'd avoid carrying him (I'm not sure if you meant that or not!) as he needs to learn how to cope on his on four legs. It might be hard to start off with but you'll get there and after a while that will just be how he is and you probably won't even give it a 2nd thought.

Hi Paul, so sorry to hear this. Great advice above. I wish Stanley all the best. Do let us know how he is getting on x

Thanks everyone, even though we are only a few days in we have noticed he is getting around the house a bit better.Thanks again for the advice and the messages....paul and Stanley

Sorry to hear this Paul. Good to know Stanley seems to be adapting already, bless him. Must have been a shock for you even with the diabetes diagnosis. How old is he?

He is about 10 we had him from a rescue centre 8yrs ago and the vet estimated him to be 2-3yrs old at the time.

Aww... you gave him a forever home He's been lucky to have found you and no doubt you too.
Keep us updated Paul and we would love to see pics of your boy