Q & A With Dr. Patrick!

Filed Under: Pets Exclusives! Dog Health Tips Dr. Patrick Mahaney

Teddy Hilton's own vet to the stars, Dr. Patrick Mahaney, answers your pet care questions!

Today's question comes from TeddyHilton reader, Brittany, who needs help with her mom's bff: an 11 year-old mini Schnauzer named Mariah.

Brittany asks:

As of lately.. She has become blind in one eye. She is one of three dogs, a 5 year old Beagle, and a 9 month old Puggle. She has sadly started walking into walls, the other dogs, and just about everything else.. We have to shove her face into her food just so she can find it.

She seems absolutely miserable ever since the new Puggle came home. Is there anything we can do to help her from running into stuff and to be happier than she seems to be as of lately?

Dr. Patrick's Holistic Pet Care Tip:

I am sorry to hear of the vision problems affecting Mariah as of late. Especially since she is a senior dog, I highly suggest you have her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as your are able.

There are a variety of conditions that can lead to gradual or acute onset blindness, including cataract, glaucoma, lens displacement (from trauma), cancer, infections, metabolic disease (diabetes, other), and others. Mariah may need to be evaluated by a veterinary ophthalmologist (eye specialist). If you are in Los Angeles, I suggest seeing Dr Christin Fahrer from Eye Care for Animals in Culver City, CA.

As you speak of her being unable to find food, we really need to put the food in a spot where she can easily locate both food and water.

Additionally, block off stairs, keep her off of the sofa and couch, and avoid situations where she could fall and traumatize herself.

We all hope Mariah gets back to her normal self soon!

Tags: animals, diabetes, disease, dog, dogs, food, pet, reader, sad, teddy, veterinarian

Posted: April 19, 2011 at 12:00 pm