Worst news EVER!

I have been too depressed to blog about the news about our puppies eyes. I think I am finally coming to terms with their uncertain future.

I might need to back up a little...

When we discovered a while back that the black girl puppy (Darcy Jett Blak, we named her because we were considering keeping her until we discovered that she wasn't the only puppy with problems) was having a hard time seeing things, like the walls she was walking into, funny and sad at the same time. We took her to our regular vet and he examined her and gave us a referral to Eye Care for Animals in Salt Lake. We made her an appointment and took her to see the eye doctor. She confirmed that she indeed has cataracts in both eyes. Her cataracts is pretty severe and she will require surgery and medication her whole life. The swelling in her eyes could get so bad that her eyes may need to be removed!

We took 2 of the other puppies to her appointment and our worst fears were confirmed. They also have cataracts. One of them has a small one in each eye and the other has his left eye more involved than his right.

So last Wednesday I took the whole litter and Abby up to the eye clinic to have all of their eyes checked.

The worst news ever is that ALL of the puppies have cataract to some degree. 3 of them are severe enough that they would be good candidates for surgery (at a hefty expense) and they will need medication for the rest of their lives.

The remaining 4 have a 50/50 chance of the cataracts not progressing but they will need routine eye exams to monitor their condition and there is no guarantee that they won't loose their vision.

Luckily Abby's eyes are healthy. The vet said she would certify them if I wanted her to. I don't see any point in certifying her eyes because we are planning on getting her fixed. I love puppies and Abby is a great mom but these puppies are too heartbreaking to test fate again. This condition is most likely hereditary.

We feel so helpless with these adorable babies!

I work with a nurse that has a daughter-in-law that works at a no-kill animal shelter. I have been in contact with her about these puppies. I haven't had the heart to call her and tell her that the remaining puppies also have cataracts. I am hopeful that if I surrender the puppies to this organization they will be able to find the perfect 4ever homes for these babies.

I just don't feel like I am qualified to properly screen potential homes for these guys. They will need medical attention for the rest of their lives and their "people" will have to be prepared in case they do loose their vision.

I wish I could keep ALL of them. My heart is big enough, but I am afraid my home isn't. Plus financially I don't have the means to give them all the care they would need and deserve.