Questioning a Senior Yorkie's Eye Surgery Decision
Reader Question
A 16 year old Yorkie's eye was punctured. Although treated with corticosteroids and anti-bacterial eyedrops as prescribed, her eye bubbled and her corneal lens fell out. It happened on a Saturday and I had to wait until Monday for the doctor to be available. I was told on Sunday that the dog had been tested in preparation for surgery and that the dog had passed all the tests.When the doctor was consulted on Monday, she stated that the dog would most likely die in surgery. I later found out that this doctor has a reputation for not taking chances, in order to preserve her reputation. Not knowing that about this doctor. I thought the dog was being given the primary focus and therefor accepted that the dog was not a good candidate for surgery. Had I known that she was focusing on herself instead and "that dogs don't die on her watch", I would have taken her to another hospital to see if it was a viable option to save her life.It's been 3 years since that happened and I still question whether the dog's life could have been preserved.
This is not a law suit. I am just seeking realistic knowledge.
This is not a law suit. I am just seeking realistic knowledge.
Answer from Our Team
We're sorry for your loss. A 16-year-old dog with a ruptured eye faces real anesthetic and surgical risks, and in that situation, removing the eye is usually the surgery offered. Vets weigh age, heart and kidney health and other illness, and it's common and reasonable to advise against surgery when risks are high. Pre-anesthetic tests don't capture every risk in a very old dog.
We can't know what would have happened, and it sounds like you made the best decision you could with the information you had.
See corneal ulcers in dogs for more about serious eye injuries.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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