A couple of weeks ago, the animal control officer from Salem County brought in two old dogs the likes of which I had never seen. They appear to be some sort of Samoyed/Malamute mixes; they would make good candidates for DNA testing. Both are seniors, probably at least 8 to 10 years – old for the size dog that they are. They were in horrible shape when they arrived: extremely matted, flea-infested, filthy, very skinny and stinking to high heaven. Our staff members were so upset by their condition that they immediately began shaving and bathing them. Clipping their fur was more like sheering a sheep; it came off in dense, heavy sections and the skin beneath it was wet and infected. Inoki, the younger dog, was suffering from a urinary tract infection. Koa, the older of the two, is blind and Inoki may also be a bit vision-impaired.
It is obvious from both their physical condition and their level of socialization that they have spent their lives in a disgustingly filthy pen of some sort with little or no protection from the weather or the sun. They were both completely calm and compliant when being groomed; neither however, seeks affection or attention, as I am sure they never received any. They look very different now; their fur is short and pure white. Their skin is pink and healthy-looking. They have both started to pick up a little weight.
Just as in humans, there are different causes of blindness in dogs. Cataracts in dogs are quite common with aging, especially for dogs that have spent their lives outdoors with constant exposure to the sun. Retinal disease can affect dogs at any age, causing a progressive loss of vision from the time they reach one year of age. I have had two dogs that have suffered from retinal disease; both were about 9 years old or so before it really became an issue. The first time I experienced it, I literally had no idea that there was anything wrong with my little guy until I took him out of his home environment to go on vacation. He was walking off leash right next to me when we ventured out onto a small dock – which he promptly fell off of and into the water. Within a few days of being away, I knew he had a problem, which was confirmed by a veterinary ophthalmologist when we got home.
Many of you may be dealing with animals who are suffering a loss of vision as well; don’t despair. Get them to the vet for a good diagnosis if you can. In many cases, there are surgical repairs that can be done. Not everyone is in a position to afford such procedures, but again, don’t despair. Animals use their other senses to adapt to their circumstances, and with your help as their “guide human,” they still can live a very normal, fulfilling life.
On that note, keep your fingers crossed that Koa and Inoki can “look” forward to a better life.
Source: Hard life for 2 SPCA arrivals: Fleas, filth and blindness