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Coco's Fund

10-10-2017

Coco and I just got back from our 5th trip to Columbia. He went back again for another check after his eye surgery and they are very pleased with the results of his surgery! The inflammation is resolving in both eyes and the eye pressure is within normal range. Coco's incisions have healed very well. His right eye still has moderate capsular opacities but he is comfortable and visual. The left eye has no lens but is clear and comfortable. The doctor reduced his number of eye drops to 4 (from 6) and fewer times a day. Coco can go without the cone of shame as long as I can watch him but back on if I can't at least until his next vet visit. I have learned a lot from this surgery. Each dog recovers differently. There is no way to say how long the recovery might last. I have been very happy with Columbia university of Mo. Veterinary Health Center. Awesome place. 
A HUGE thanks to everyone who donated and sent prayers for this little guy!

 

10-4-2017

** Update on Coco!  He has had the cataract surgery and is recovering slowly but nicely.  The costs incurred higher are than originally thought.  Coco had to have some additional testing and extra care before and after surgery.  One eye could not get the new lens due to hardness of the old lens and the sac didn't hold up.  The right eye did get a new lens but had some trouble with fluid and debris collecting.  Many, many medications later all seems to be healing nicely.   I hope the cone of shame can come off next week after his doctors appointment.  Hopefully some of the medications can be cut down as well as the frequency.  There will be a new update after he see's his doctor next Tuesday!

Coco is a five year old poodle mix.  He has become blind due to mature cataracts.  With many years ahead of him, cataract surgery is a permanent fix that will allow him to see again.  

Coco is very friendly and loves people, dogs and cats.  He is house-trained and has excellent house manners.  We hope to raise the money to restore his vision so he can be adopted out into a loving home. 

Cataracts can cause a serious reactive inflammation inside the eye (Lens Induced Uveitis, or LIU) that must be medically treated, whether or not surgery is performed. LIU can lead to complications such as glaucoma or a detached retina. An additional potential complication in eyes not undergoing surgery is lens luxation, which can be quite painful depending on how the lens slips (luxates) out of position. Glaucoma is also painful, in the form of a headache. If surgery is not performed, lifetime anti-inflammatory eye drops will often be required.  

Cataract surgery can give a dog a wonderful new lease on life. For a blind dog to again be able to see its owner, to play with toys, look out the window and actually see things—this is life-changing for canine patients and their owners.