temporary blindness - YorkieTalk.com Forums

billyboi1 · 05-01-2011, 06:49 PM

wondering if anyone has had their yorkie experience blindness after anesthesia for dental surgery. could it be temporary and how long can i hold out hope for sight to return? opthamologist says eyes are good in my 10 year old gracie but possible neuro blockade. going to specialist this week but wondering nervously. thank you

Connie · 05-01-2011, 09:13 PM

I have never heard of this, but will say a prayer for your precious Gracie to regain her eyesight!

kjc · 05-01-2011, 09:47 PM

I have heard of this... it goes on a case by case basic as each dog is different and responds differently.... if I can find more info I'll post it.

Sandysbabies · 05-01-2011, 11:20 PM

Have never heard of this happening. Just said a prayer for little Gracie. Hope her sight returns with no problems.

billyboi1 · 05-02-2011, 04:45 AM

thank you for concern and prayers

kjc · 05-02-2011, 06:03 AM

When anesthesia is used, it is a mix of anesthesia and oxygen. Also preanesthetics are used just prior to intubation (an endotracheal tube is inserted into the animal's trachea which is then connected to two tanks, one with oxygen and one with anesthetic). Blindness can result from a reaction to the preanesthetic or the anesthetic agents, but more likely will occur as a result of low oxygen, which can occur during surgery.

Normally, procedures are in place where the levels in the tanks are checked/verified before each and every surgery. I have witnessed surgeries where the oxygen tank has malfunctioned, or emptied unexpectedly. This is usually remedied quickly by changing out the tank with the spare tank, which is nearby.

Blindness can also occur due to pre-existing conditions in the animal.

I do not know if the reason for your dog's blindness can be determined, and I found no information on the statistics of permanent vs temporary occurances.

I hope your baby recovers, and that you can get some answers from the specialist.

I do know that dogs are adaptable, and many live comfortably with loss of vision.

Hope this helps, and I'll keep your little one in my prayers.

billyboi1 · 05-02-2011, 07:14 PM

thank you for effort and research on anesthetic process. Gracie is showing some spunk today and soon I may know more about her condition and sight. much appreciated

Patti · 05-02-2011, 07:47 PM

I had not heard of it but will keep Gracie in my prayers for her vision to return.

kjc · 05-03-2011, 07:02 PM

Checking in for an update.... keeping little Gracie in my prayers...

BTW: Welcome to YT! Wish it could have been under better circumstances....

05-01-2011, 06:49 PM	#1
billyboi1 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2011 Location: clearwater fl usa Posts: 3	temporary blindness wondering if anyone has had their yorkie experience blindness after anesthesia for dental surgery. could it be temporary and how long can i hold out hope for sight to return? opthamologist says eyes are good in my 10 year old gracie but possible neuro blockade. going to specialist this week but wondering nervously. thank you

05-01-2011, 09:13 PM	#2
Connie Loved by Maddie & Libby Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 10,732	I have never heard of this, but will say a prayer for your precious Gracie to regain her eyesight! __________________ Custom doggie dresses and vests Memory is a country where I can go to see your face - but where do I go when I miss your embrace?

05-01-2011, 09:47 PM	#3
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,869	I have heard of this... it goes on a case by case basic as each dog is different and responds differently.... if I can find more info I'll post it. __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

05-02-2011, 06:03 AM	#6
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,869	When anesthesia is used, it is a mix of anesthesia and oxygen. Also preanesthetics are used just prior to intubation (an endotracheal tube is inserted into the animal's trachea which is then connected to two tanks, one with oxygen and one with anesthetic). Blindness can result from a reaction to the preanesthetic or the anesthetic agents, but more likely will occur as a result of low oxygen, which can occur during surgery. Normally, procedures are in place where the levels in the tanks are checked/verified before each and every surgery. I have witnessed surgeries where the oxygen tank has malfunctioned, or emptied unexpectedly. This is usually remedied quickly by changing out the tank with the spare tank, which is nearby. Blindness can also occur due to pre-existing conditions in the animal. I do not know if the reason for your dog's blindness can be determined, and I found no information on the statistics of permanent vs temporary occurances. I hope your baby recovers, and that you can get some answers from the specialist. I do know that dogs are adaptable, and many live comfortably with loss of vision. Hope this helps, and I'll keep your little one in my prayers. __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

05-02-2011, 07:47 PM	#8
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I had not heard of it but will keep Gracie in my prayers for her vision to return. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

05-01-2011, 11:20 PM	#4
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	Have never heard of this happening. Just said a prayer for little Gracie. Hope her sight returns with no problems.

05-02-2011, 04:45 AM	#5
billyboi1 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2011 Location: clearwater fl usa Posts: 3	thank you for concern and prayers

05-02-2011, 07:14 PM	#7
billyboi1 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2011 Location: clearwater fl usa Posts: 3	thank you for effort and research on anesthetic process. Gracie is showing some spunk today and soon I may know more about her condition and sight. much appreciated

05-03-2011, 07:02 PM	#9
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,869	Checking in for an update.... keeping little Gracie in my prayers... BTW: Welcome to YT! Wish it could have been under better circumstances.... __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity Last edited by kjc; 05-03-2011 at 07:03 PM.