Expert: Delores Beck - 11/17/2008

Question
my cocker spaniel is male and is 9years old. he has recently turned blind and for the last few days has not been him self. he is not eating and drinking as much as he would and is finding it hard to move about the house. i know there are many things that could cause this but would you have any idea to what these symtoms could be? i dont want to have to have him put down and he is very special to me1 thanx

Answer
Could you tell me about him "recently" turning blind?  And have you had him examined by a vet opthalmologist?  If he has cataracts, they can be removed.  If he has glaucoma he needs meds to reduce ocular pressure, which can cause him pain.

For the moment, I'd definitely have him on leash in the house so he feels safe until he learns to find his way around.  Sit with him while he eats - even feed him by hand.

If the blindness is causing this, then you have to help him learn to navigate but there is absolutely no reason to think about putting him down.

Ask your vet for a referral to an Opthalmologist.  Or just find one, call yourself and give your vet's name as a reference.
Delores