I'm really hoping someone can offer advice or at least some comfort here. I'm feeling incredibly overwhelmed and worried. A few days ago, my sweet lab, Max, went in for what was supposed to be a routine dental surgery to extract a couple of problematic teeth. The procedure itself seemed to go fine according to the vet, but when Max woke up, he seemed disoriented and kept bumping into things. At first, I thought it might just be the anesthesia wearing off, but now it’s clear that Max isn’t seeing at all. My heart is breaking watching him struggle. The vet said this is extremely rare and they’re not sure why it happened. They mentioned the possibility of nerve damage or a reaction to the anesthesia. Has anyone else experienced this before? Is there any hope for his vision returning, or is there anything I can do to help him adjust? Max has always been such an active and happy dog, and I just want to make sure I’m doing everything I can for him. Any advice or similar experiences would be really appreciated.
Hello there, I can imagine how alarming it must be to notice changes in your dog's vision after dental surgery. Let’s discuss what might be going on and what steps you can take.
Occasionally, complications from anesthesia or the stress of surgery can affect a dog's vision. It's uncommon but not unheard of, as anesthesia can sometimes lead to temporary or, in rare cases, permanent vision changes due to blood pressure fluctuations or other factors.
At home, try to ensure your environment is safe for your dog. Clear any obstacles to prevent falls or bumps and guide your dog with gentle cues if needed. Some dogs find comfort in a consistent routine, so keeping feeding times and walks regular might help them adjust.
Be on the lookout for other signs such as excessive squinting, redness in the eyes, unusual head tilting, or any signs of pain. These could indicate a more serious underlying issue, like a detached retina or increased pressure in the eye.
Since your dog’s vision change is unusual, especially after surgery, I highly recommend setting up a video consult with us at Dial A Vet as soon as possible. We’ll be able to assess your dog’s condition more thoroughly and guide you further. Feel free to reach out any time you're concerned. I’m here to help!
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