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Eye infection / Tumor #928448
04/09/10 05:24 PM
04/09/10 05:24 PM

K
KaraCO
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KaraCO
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K



So last night I noticed Gerald's left eye was pretty swollen. It wasn't like that the night before. I called a couple e-clinics and all agreed that it could probably wait until morning to be looked at. He was bouncing around the cage and eating well so I was OK with that.

This morning I took him to 2 different vets. The first was a doctor at my own clinic that I work at. We found out he's "skinny" at 70g, according to a book she had open, even though I handle the gliders on a daily basis and I myself hadn't noticed any weight loss (he eats like a pig too). Of course I felt terrible, I figured that it can be hard to catch things like weight loss and maybe it had just slipped past me. So we decided it could very likely be a tumor (we did Gerald's tonometry and it came back normal, ruling out glaucoma).

I wanted to take him to a different specialist just to be sure. This particular doctor first of all said he is fine with Gerald being 70g. That is normal to him and he sees gliders very frequently. So that made me feel better... I'm like, "Well I really didn't think I felt a difference!" and being as picky about details as I am, I really would have noticed. But the doctor also said it looks like it could be a tumor, but he's seen these things clear up before with trial treatment for eye infections, and since the cornea itself does have an ulcer he'd be willing to try antibiotics and pain meds.

The first doctor decided that the ulcer could be secondary to the eye buldging out if there is a tumor behind it. However all 3 of us agreed that it's hard to tell and it's worth a shot to trial treat.

So in about 4-5 days if I don't see an improvement, or if he gets far worse, we may be looking at enucleation (removal of the eye). However, I'm stuck, because I am not very sure what Gerald's quality of life would be if it is in fact a tumor. With enucleation solve his problems or would it make it worse?

I'm just hoping the meds help. I've got him on meloxicam once a day for the pain, Baytril twice a day for an antibiotic, Trithalmic topical antibiotic, and some eye drops to help keep his eye moist since it's so large, he can't even blink it.

Has anyone else experienced this before?

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928462
04/09/10 05:40 PM
04/09/10 05:40 PM

K
KaraCO
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KaraCO
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K



I just went downstairs to give Gerald an eye drop... he's being such a good boy. It almost seems like he can feel the relief when I medicate his eye.

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928481
04/09/10 06:35 PM
04/09/10 06:35 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
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sugarlope Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarlope  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
I'm sorry that this has happened to Gerald. I really can't give you an answer about quality of life because I would think it would depend on the extent of the surgery. There are certainly gliders that have lost their eyes and do just fine.

I hope that things clear up for him with the medication and this isn't even something you will have to worry about. hug2


~Gretchen

If we never loved, then maybe we would never feel pain. Love anyway. It's worth it.
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: sugarlope] #928482
04/09/10 06:37 PM
04/09/10 06:37 PM

K
KaraCO
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KaraCO
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K



I suppose my question is, if it's a tumor would it even be worth it? What if it's already spread too far? I agree... hopefully I won't even have to worry about it.

I'll have to ask for a lot of prayers over the next couple days.

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928484
04/09/10 06:45 PM
04/09/10 06:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
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sugarlope Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarlope  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
That would be something to talk to your vet about. Surgery like that is very serious and you will likely receive very strong opinions from both sides. Some people want to do absolutely everything possible to prolong life, some people question the quality of life versus time after a procedure like that.

It is a very personal decision to make and you are the only one that can make it for your boy. You know him best. Talk everything out with your veterinarian(s), make sure they are very honest about ALL of the treatment options they are aware of and possible outcomes of each.

My prayers are with you and your boy. hug2


~Gretchen

If we never loved, then maybe we would never feel pain. Love anyway. It's worth it.
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: sugarlope] #928499
04/09/10 07:00 PM
04/09/10 07:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219
Washington D.C. Metro Area
DCMuffin Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
DCMuffin  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219
Washington D.C. Metro Area
Mine are too.....thinking of you!

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: DCMuffin] #928508
04/09/10 07:17 PM
04/09/10 07:17 PM

K
KaraCO
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KaraCO
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K



Thank you for the support... I will just cross that bridge when I come to it. I agree, it is a very personal decision, and I loathe that I may have to make it very soon. But I will keep hoping that he shows improvement.

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928618
04/09/10 11:10 PM
04/09/10 11:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Sending prayers and good thoughts your way. It is a hard decision to make. A lot of animals do well with an eye removed some do not.

There are gliders on this board that are living with blindness and doing well. It is a personal and difficult decision to make. It is also one that is best made with as much information as you can get.

Perhaps an x-ray would help determine if it is a tumor or just the eye.

Best Wishes, please keep us updated.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: Feather] #928627
04/09/10 11:31 PM
04/09/10 11:31 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 433
Mississippi
bdonald25 Offline
Glider Lover
bdonald25  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 433
Mississippi
Good thoughts and prayers for you!


Barbara

Suggies - Pooka(female) :grey: and Jazz(neutered male) :grey:
Husband and 2 skin kids
Dogs - Shelties: Jeter, Rusty (rescue), and Nemo (rescue)
Cats - Maggie (rescue) and Minnie (rescue)
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: bdonald25] #928675
04/10/10 03:42 AM
04/10/10 03:42 AM

S
stoneys6287
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stoneys6287
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Definitely praying for you!

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928683
04/10/10 08:03 AM
04/10/10 08:03 AM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
G
Gizmogirl Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Gizmogirl  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
G

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
You are both in our thoughts and prayers. hug2


Casper & Liezl
:grey:Gizzy, Boesman, Muchu, Kiamon, Sky & Boog:grey:
A glider's eyes have the power to speak a great language

RIP Sugar 2009 & Kaida 2013
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: Gizmogirl] #928775
04/10/10 12:05 PM
04/10/10 12:05 PM

K
KaraCO
Unregistered
KaraCO
Unregistered
K



Thank you everyone. I have considered getting an x-ray done since I do have that capability available to me at work.

This morning Gerald's eye seems to look better. I believe the swelling has gone down a bit. He ate a lot as usual and willingly took a couple mealies from me this morning. But his whole cornea still looks grey and he still can't see out of it.

I know I'm just getting a little bit anxious, he's only been on meds for not even 24 hours now. But at least he's comfortable.

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928776
04/10/10 12:08 PM
04/10/10 12:08 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
G
Gizmogirl Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Gizmogirl  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
G

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
Just hang in there! We are all here for you. You are doing a fantastic job caring for Gerald.


Casper & Liezl
:grey:Gizzy, Boesman, Muchu, Kiamon, Sky & Boog:grey:
A glider's eyes have the power to speak a great language

RIP Sugar 2009 & Kaida 2013
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: Gizmogirl] #928795
04/10/10 01:44 PM
04/10/10 01:44 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,855
Orlando, FL
Tish84 Offline
Glider Slave
Tish84  Offline
Glider Slave

Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,855
Orlando, FL
You should take your concerns to the Sweet Spot Forum.....I know Anita has gone through a similar situation and the story is posted over there


TISH

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Bunny
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Glide Free My little Lily And Ice (Miss you every day)


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Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: Tish84] #928823
04/10/10 03:05 PM
04/10/10 03:05 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
S
sugarlope Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarlope  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
clap I am so happy to hear that the swelling may be going down!!! hug2

Blindness by itself will be something that he will quickly adjust to, particularly if it is only in one eye. My comment above was more about the possible extent of surgery than just the loss of the eye/eyesight.


~Gretchen

If we never loved, then maybe we would never feel pain. Love anyway. It's worth it.
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: sugarlope] #928878
04/10/10 06:33 PM
04/10/10 06:33 PM

K
KaraCO
Unregistered
KaraCO
Unregistered
K



Yes, Gretchen. I know smile I believe we can still make his life happy and comfortable if he ends up just being blind in one eye. That's no reason to lose him! If it's not a tumor he will most certainly heal and be back to his normal self soon. If it is, our trial treatment won't help improve his situation (which for the time being, I think it is definitely helping).

We just went downstairs again to give Gerald another eye drop. He's becoming more accustomed to being disturbed and doesn't struggle as much when we're messing with that eye lol. Makes it so much easier to make sure we're medicating him properly, all the more important for his recovery.

He'll be accompanying me to work for the next several days while I still have to administer meds/drops during the day. I'm sure the other techs will love playing with him and helping me care for him. They were very helpful yesterday when I had to bring him in smile He'll love the attention, too!

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928973
04/10/10 10:23 PM
04/10/10 10:23 PM

K
KaraCO
Unregistered
KaraCO
Unregistered
K



Tonight, Gerald is out and about eating the feast I've prepared for them... but his eye seems a little more pink around the lids. frown He kept spooking when I had my hand in the cage. Sigh. At least he is eating still.

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #928999
04/10/10 11:48 PM
04/10/10 11:48 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,204
Sedona, AZ
ozzi Offline
Glider Addict
ozzi  Offline
Glider Addict

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,204
Sedona, AZ
angel Sending Prayers for Little Gerald. angel


Pat
You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.....Unknown

Rest in Peace our little sweet friends that have crossed over the "Rainbow Bridge".
I miss you gangel Boo-Boo, Lucy, BJ, and Fivel gangel
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ozzi] #929369
04/11/10 11:19 PM
04/11/10 11:19 PM

B
berryanimalluvrs
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berryanimalluvrs
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B



I am hoping Gerald is doing better. My little gal has a swollen eye that we thought was from a little fight she got into with another glider but now I'm not so sure. The first day it was a little swollen and we saw the vet. Recommended watching it and the next day it was alot better. Since yesterday though it has reswollen and has some puss coming out. So I will be calling in the morning. I used some heat and a little water to clean the area up. She now can open it and seems to be doing things okay. I am hoping all goes well for both ours.

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #929599
04/12/10 03:29 PM
04/12/10 03:29 PM

J
JenniferM
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JenniferM
Unregistered
J



Oh- more prayers coming everyone's way. I hate seeing posts where health issues exist. I know it is a fact of life, but dangit!!!!

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #936564
04/29/10 03:44 AM
04/29/10 03:44 AM

K
KaraCO
Unregistered
KaraCO
Unregistered
K



Here is the run-down on everything that has happened.

The swelling started to go down and soon the eye was back to normal size, but still cloudy with a visible ulcer and oozing pus. I continued treating with baytril, meloxicam, and the eye ointment and drops.

A week ago we decided that the eye was so badly abscessed it just had to come out. We performed the enucleation procedure at my place of work. It was a success... Turns out there was a more severe ulcer than I had expected, hidden under his upper eyelid. It was so severe, we could actually see his lens sticking up through it. BUT... it least it wasn't a hidden tumor!!

Within 5 minutes of coming off gas, Gerald was up and bouncing around like nothing had happened. It's almost been a week and he hasn't touched his sutures. I've seperated him from Stephanie because I don't want her to try and pick and them, but their cages are side-by-side so they can still see and smell each other.

Still eating well and being his normal active self. The stitches will either fall out soon or be removed in another week. He looks FABULOUS! smile

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #936565
04/29/10 04:19 AM
04/29/10 04:19 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,400
Tulsa, OK, USA
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SweetGliders Offline
Glider Slave
SweetGliders  Offline
Glider Slave
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,400
Tulsa, OK, USA
Thats great news Kara. I am so glad Gerald is on the mend. Sending healing prayers. hug2 hug2


Anita heart
www.mysweetgliders.com

Owned by many Gliders & Cats + Wife to a Wonderful & Understanding Husband

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: SweetGliders] #936566
04/29/10 04:45 AM
04/29/10 04:45 AM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
G
Gizmogirl Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Gizmogirl  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
G

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
clap That is wonderful news! clap Keep on healing Gerald! hug2


Casper & Liezl
:grey:Gizzy, Boesman, Muchu, Kiamon, Sky & Boog:grey:
A glider's eyes have the power to speak a great language

RIP Sugar 2009 & Kaida 2013
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #936617
04/29/10 09:54 AM
04/29/10 09:54 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,204
Sedona, AZ
ozzi Offline
Glider Addict
ozzi  Offline
Glider Addict

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,204
Sedona, AZ
dance clap Hooray for Gerald. I couldn't ask for better news to start my day clap dance
Can't wait till he is back with his Stephanie mlove


Pat
You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.....Unknown

Rest in Peace our little sweet friends that have crossed over the "Rainbow Bridge".
I miss you gangel Boo-Boo, Lucy, BJ, and Fivel gangel
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ozzi] #936630
04/29/10 10:20 AM
04/29/10 10:20 AM

C
Cr8zyanimalgirl
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Cr8zyanimalgirl
Unregistered
C



That is wonderful news glad he is healing!!

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #936779
04/29/10 02:17 PM
04/29/10 02:17 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748
Vincennes, IN, USA
suggiemom1980 Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
suggiemom1980  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748
Vincennes, IN, USA
What wonderful news!!!! I'm so happy for you both of you!


Connie

812-890-9734, 24/7 Emergencies/Joey issues

SmallWorldSuggies

"The greater the challenge, the sweeter the reward"

"Glide free :rbridge: Silly "Ozball" Ozzie. You left us 11/21/12..way too soon. You're forever loved, remembered, missed."
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: suggiemom1980] #936785
04/29/10 02:31 PM
04/29/10 02:31 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
S
sugarlope Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarlope  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
S

Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
I'm happy to hear that he is doing better!


~Gretchen

If we never loved, then maybe we would never feel pain. Love anyway. It's worth it.
Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: sugarlope] #937086
04/29/10 11:59 PM
04/29/10 11:59 PM

K
KaraCO
Unregistered
KaraCO
Unregistered
K



Thanks everyone, for your well wishes.

I feel blessed to have been able to take a role in such a procedure... I learned a lot, and I am glad that Gerald seems to be feeling much better.

To be honest I feared the worst, and that's what I prepared myself for. However, he did so well throughout surgery and is continuing to do so well post surgery, I feel like all my burdens have been lifted.

I knew that I could just not let him go without trying to help him, without letting him know that I love him dearly and I will do everything in my power to allow him to live a comfortable life.

Re: Eye infection / Tumor [Re: ] #939802
05/05/10 11:55 PM
05/05/10 11:55 PM

K
KaraCO
Unregistered
KaraCO
Unregistered
K



There was a complication -

The "not-eye" abscessed and we had to remove the stitches on Sunday to allow the open cavity to drain.

At least 0.5 mls of pus drained out... not good.

Couldn't find the source of infection; Rx'ed Baytril injectible now instead of oral, Trimethoprim Sulfa orally, and back on Meloxicam orally.

He's doing well, getting used to injections twice a day, being my good little boy smile

The pus has crusted and as of tonight there isn't any swelling so I think it has stopped.


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