Monday, June 14, 2010

Samba's Eyes

Samba spent last Friday with Dr B. The facial paralysis has affected her vision a little and we wanted to know how much of a problem it is and if there has been any permanent damage. We dropped her off early in the morning to spend the day at the clinic.


As you can see from the recent pictures of her, my little girl who used to love the camera, no longer wants to look directly at it. Her eyes look quite strange. They are wide open and she has lost her blink reflex.


The left eye seems to be improving and her blink is starting to come back on that side, but the right eye is getting worse. It's open very wide, giving her a surprised look most of the time. I think she's embarrassed about it. OK, I know some of you will say dogs don't feel embarrassment, but I've known and lived with enough dogs to know that they can feel and display embarrassment. Try telling someone about their bad behavior in front of them and watch them either try to hide or to get your attention and change the subject.


First Samba had a blood test to check her thyroid level. We recently adjusted it and want to make sure it's where it should be. Then Dr B dilated her eyes and checked for any retinal damage. When we picked her up in the afternoon, we had a little meeting and learned that there doesn't appear to be any permanent damage to the retinas and with good care and some luck, Samba's paralysis may reverse itself in the coming months. The statistics are with us. About 60% of these cases do get better. The problem is that most of them don't also have MMM to deal with.

We're going to choose to be optimistic and look for signs of improvement. She and I will celebrate our better vision together. I'm convinced of it.

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Paws crossed for dear Samba! I'm glad to hear that she is showing improvement in at least one eye....every little positive step is good news!

Your furrend,
MinnaK

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We're hoping for the 60%. AND we agree that we get embarrassed sometimes.

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

Sam said...

This is our first chance to get to blog in almost a week. We're still thinking of you and Samba. How sad that she'll no longer show her pretty face for the camera. I wish I could give her a big hug.

George The Lad said...

Best wishes to the both of you.
See Yea George xxx

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Puppy prayers are on the way for sweet Samba.

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

I hope that her vision is improved and that she recovers in general.

wags, Lola

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws are crossed for Samba! We just know her vision will improve!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Zona said...

Sending up prayers for Samba! I'm sorry she feels embarrassed - tell her we love her no matter what! She's gorgeous!!!

Wags,
Zona

Stella said...

Oh, dear Samba! We are going to be wishing and hoping for a very quick recovery for your eyes. You certainly deserve that! The news sounds like it good be good and thats what we will pray for!

Cheers and hugs,

Stella and Jo

booahboo said...

Hope Samba gets better soon.. i am sure she will.. she has all the love from all of you and all our prayers.

To the road of recovery for both you and Samba. God Bless.

Lorenza said...

Paws crossed hoping everything is going to be ok!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

The Daily Pip said...

Sending my very best wishes to Samba!

Your pal, Pip

Two French Bulldogs said...

poor baby we will keep our paws crossed for Samba
Benny & Lily

♥I am Holly♥ said...

We are sending lots of prayers with paws crossed for a very good outcome for Samba. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

Eddy said...

Awww, Samba. Please get better. How weird and uncomfortable for you. I can't wait to see a happy picture of you when you are all better.

Dexter said...

What a brave little girl. I think she should grow her bangs out so that she does not have to worry so much about her iffy eyeball. It will give her a Veronica Lake kind of look.

Slobbers,
Mango

SissySees said...

Love the eye chart.

And dogs/animals most certainly DO feel shame! I'm sorry Samba is embarassed by the changes in her eyes and such, but she's very lucky to have you and excellent vet care, all of which has to improve her odds. We're optimistic too, and we're sending good vibes, healing drool, and ...

Gretchen wants to come lick eyes for you and Samba. I tried to explain that not only do some of us find that annoying, it isn't ideal in this situation. Plus, that's Morgan's job, isn't it?

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

We have our paws crossed for you Samba...we also know that we all feel embarrassed sometimes!!

Smileys & Snuggles!
Dory, Bilbo and Jacob

Dianne said...

We are all pulling for Samba's complete recovery! Hugs and belly scratches for your whole crew!

LizzieJane said...

Dear Samba we will be keeping our fingers crossed for you. What an angel you are.
x

gMarie said...

Look at you - back to blogging with a vegance! Go Samba - already one side is getting better - I believe the other side will as well.

And you are so right, they do feel emotions and embarrasment is a good one. g

Lapdog Creations said...

Sending lots of hugs, love and good vibes Samba's way!

Scout and Freyja said...

I'm so sorry about her sight. What is amazing, though, is that our animals seem to accept their limitations better than we do.