Poke before the onset of glaucoma 

May 06, 2004 - "Poke went through the surgery itself very well, which was the scariest part
for the moments that day. Her glucose levels were low and constant throughout, and all vital signs were good. 

The local vet had put a real scare into me, as she believed that there was a tumor behind Poke's eye that was pushing it outward. Dr. Burling examined her eye after its removal. There were no tumors, either in the eye or in the tissue behind it, and there was no infection present. She did find a dark colored fluid that she was not able to explain, except to say that she thought it was due to a long term inflammation.

Poke's eye will go to a pathology lab, and the results will be back in a week. Dr Burling believes that even if it does show a cancerous condition, that there is no concern about it having spread anywhere else.

Poke was given an implant behind her eyelid which will make her eye appear more normal, not sunken-in. She was put on antibiotics (just in case) and some pain medication for a few days.

Already, a great deal of the swelling from the surgery has gone down, and once the shaved hair around her eye grows back, and the sutures are removed, she will look as if she has one eye closed.

Even though the surgery itself must involve its own pain, I can already see a difference in Poke's behavior and her facial expression. In the past week, prior to her surgery, she had been acting very confused about her whereabouts and bumping into things she would normally miss. I think the swelling in her bad eye was interfering with her better eye from seeing as well as it can, and also the pain just had her in a state of confusion.  She spent the whole trip home sitting up in the car and "looking" around.

Well, I could go on and on....it is such a relief to be able to report good news to all you good people who helped us.

This was Dr Burling's first experience with a group effort to help, and she was so cooperative also. I really think Poke's need for help showed the best in everyone...and that little sweetheart is asleep on the floor, wondering what is for dinner!

Love to you all,
Linda and Poke"
 

Updates from Linda follow the photos

Linda is coping with the costs of Poke's diabetes and daily glaucoma treatments but the estimated $1,200 for the eye surgery is beyond her means at the present time.  Unfortunately, the specialist advises that surgery is the only option to handle the pain Poke is experiencing and this should be done as soon as possible.

The Muffin Diabetic Pets Fund has stepped in to assist with Poke's surgery - which could exceed the estimated $1,200. Linda is working to raise funds for the operation, but we need your help too! 

Please consider making a donation 
- you can send a cheque or bank money order (payable to Muffin Diabetic Pets Fund)  to:  Muffin Pet Diabetes Support Group, c/o Susan Flewelling, 2017 - 7th Avenue N.W., Calgary, Alberta,Canada, T2N 0Z7 

This wonderful girl needs to get back to being happy and free of pain! 

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

All...
 

Poke had her stitches out today...she sat so well for the vet as they were removed. Her eye has healed very well, and apart from the few days post surgery when it was still sore she has not acted like it bothers her at all.

I took her to the local park today to celebrate, she walked all over and then agreed to sit for a photo shoot. 

It's hard to believe it was only a few weeks ago that she was in such pain and so down, and I was so frantic with worry about her. When I thought about it at that time, I could not foresee how good it would turn out for her.

Our continued thanks,
Linda and Poke