I got my dog from a shelter a few years ago (Parson Russel Terrier). They guessed he was around 7 or so at the time, which would make him around 9 now. I didn't realize when I got him that he had chronic hip issues and a dead tooth, which hasn't been a big problem. Since then, he has developed diabetes that requires multiple injections of insulin daily with relatively frequent vet visits.
About a month ago, he got a cat claw to the eye and got a really bad infection. After an ER visit and a few trips to the ophthalmologist, the infection was under control, and it was apparent that he lost all vision in the eye. The ophthalmologist suggested a unilateral enucleation (removing the eye), but there was a chance it would scar over, and the operation would become unnecessary. As a college student, I elected to wait and see while I finished paying off the vet bills and tuition.
In the mean time, though, his other eye became very red and inflamed. I thought it was another infection, but his regular vet didn't think so. With the equipment they had, she wasn't sure what it was and suggested I go back to the ophthalmologist. She said it looked very bad, though, and that he may lose that eye as well.
I'm in my senior year as an engineering student and I work part time, so I have very little time as it is. I already feel that I don't give him enough attention, and I can't imagine how much worse it would be if he went blind too. He's a great dog, he loves everybody he meets, and he still seems happy, so I don't know what to do. Once the eye issues have been resolved, I'm sure he could still lead a happy life, but he is placing a big strain on me financially and on my time. Even though I've only had him for a couple of years, I've still grown close to him. It's going to be hard finishing this semester without him, but is it getting to that point? Or am I considering this too early? I'm worried about discussing this with the vet because I feel like I'm giving up on him.
About a month ago, he got a cat claw to the eye and got a really bad infection. After an ER visit and a few trips to the ophthalmologist, the infection was under control, and it was apparent that he lost all vision in the eye. The ophthalmologist suggested a unilateral enucleation (removing the eye), but there was a chance it would scar over, and the operation would become unnecessary. As a college student, I elected to wait and see while I finished paying off the vet bills and tuition.
In the mean time, though, his other eye became very red and inflamed. I thought it was another infection, but his regular vet didn't think so. With the equipment they had, she wasn't sure what it was and suggested I go back to the ophthalmologist. She said it looked very bad, though, and that he may lose that eye as well.
I'm in my senior year as an engineering student and I work part time, so I have very little time as it is. I already feel that I don't give him enough attention, and I can't imagine how much worse it would be if he went blind too. He's a great dog, he loves everybody he meets, and he still seems happy, so I don't know what to do. Once the eye issues have been resolved, I'm sure he could still lead a happy life, but he is placing a big strain on me financially and on my time. Even though I've only had him for a couple of years, I've still grown close to him. It's going to be hard finishing this semester without him, but is it getting to that point? Or am I considering this too early? I'm worried about discussing this with the vet because I feel like I'm giving up on him.