BRUCE GOES TO THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST 9 FEBRUARY 2017
Bill writes: Thanks to everyone who's helping Brucie get to his appointment and eye surgery. He's just the sweetest guy and adjusts beautifully. to whatever situation he's in. I can't wait to pick him up when he has recuperated from his surgery! Peggy writes: Brucie goes this morning for his initial eye visit. Will update when we get home from vet. Crossing fingers and praying we can schedule surgery soon. He is doing so well here. . . . has learned to go down the stairs to go outside, potty and find himself back to the back door, up the stairs all by himself. He is going to be a whole new dog once his sight is completely back. Bill writes: I am pretty anxious about the outcome of this appt, but also hopeful. He's just the best little guy!
Later that day, Peggy writes: Here is the report from Dr. Tolar on Brucie. He has dry eye and some inflammation. She wants to treat the dry eye and see him back in four weeks for recheck. She has some concerns about him getting glaucoma, which she didn't put on the report that that could take several years to develop after surgery. She told me that it is very common in terriers, but said it could take years and with his age he could die of old age before glaucoma gets the best of him. So the decision would be if we want to proceed with the cataract surgery after the four weeks. to see if his eye pressure gets better and the dry eye is under control. Have talked with BJ and she said she votes yes to proceed with surgery and I think so, too. On 10 February, Violetta Argueta writes: The dry eye may take more than four weeks to get under control. So it gives us a little more time to fundraise for his cataract removal. The possibility of the dog getting glaucoma after the cataract removal is always a risk. BUT when you take him back for a recheck on 9 March, can you ask the vet to check him for ocular melanosis. The note about the pigment worries me a little since OM is breed-specific (i.e., specific to Cairns), so not too many vets are familiar with it or think of OM when they see pigment. It's what Smoochie had and that does develop into glaucoma. It comes on at about eight years of age. And if he has it, he will lose his eyesight from OM. HERE is a link that you can print out and bring with you. On 14 February, a Valentine for Bruce: On 15 February, BJ writes: I am at Peggy's and I swear Bruce is the sweetest little guy!
Here he is getting his drops and ointment in and a little TLC. He gets the drops first; then ten minutes later, he gets his ointment. Bruce is such a love; I received morning kisses!
Bruce meets Jordan
He's a hoot! He barks in the morning for his food; when he goes outside to potty and returns, he barks for his treat.
He walks around, then comes up the steps and waits at the door. I just told Peggy, he's such a love and so smart. I can't wait til he gets to see! HERE is a clip of Bruce . . . it does not work for me, but it does for CairnDaddy, so you clicks the link and takes your chances!
Bruce sez: I come in from being outside and I get my treat! On 16 February, Bill writes: Just want to thank everybody for their efforts to get funding for Brucie's surgery. He's a very special guy, as BJ and Peggy can attest. I'm so often humbled by the love and care these little characters get because of all of you. Thanks.

BRUCE GOES TO THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST, PART 2 HERE