Patient of the Month

CUVS' Patient of the Month

Cody Stix

July’s Patient of the Month – Cody – is a shining example of how dramatically specialty veterinary care can improve quality of life for our pets.

Cody visited CUVS for surgery to repair a broken leg, but it was cataract surgery to treat his sudden blindness that really gave him a second lease on life. Cody's mother Louise was kind enough to share his story with us.

"Even as a puppy, my poodle Cody was a study in contradictions - he was clumsy, but he loved to go vertical -  jumping from place to place (couch to chair, bed to chair).  So when, on our vacation, he jumped off the cot and broke his leg, I was devastated, but not altogether astonished. As he matured, however, his clumsiness got worse.  He collided with stationary objects, inside and out.  He even slammed into the porch totally missing the front steps to the house.  That night, when I looked at his eyes, I noticed they were dusky gray.  Of course!  He had cataracts.

So, remembering the very positive experience at CUVS where his broken leg was masterfully repaired, I took him to see Dr. Eaton, CUVS Ophthalmologist. Dr. Eaton evaluated and operated on Cody, and the effect was immediate!  In fact, Cody started exploring everything he had missed. Today, he's a happy healthy 2-year old -- you'd never know what he has been through!  And he's more than made up for lost time; earning his Canine Good Citizen Award, and passing the Pet Partners Skills Test enabling us to be a therapy dog team.  These pictures more than tell the happy outcome. 

 

CUVS has been there for us - starting at 2AM the night we drove back from Vermont knowing that Cody would get the care he needed until today - where Dr. Eaton continues to check his eyes. Cody and I thank everyone who participated in his care -- CUVS staff and veterinarians!"

While not always as severe as Cody's, cataracts are one of the most common eye problems diagnosed in dogs. CUVS' ophthalmologist Dr. Seth Eaton recounts Cody's case, and speaks to similar cases where owners discover vision impairment due to cataracts in their dogs.

"Most pet owners would naturally assume that cataracts only affect older animals. While this is a more typical scenario, we do see some dogs developing inherited cataracts at a young age, sometimes even as puppies. Therefore, paying attention to your dog's vision and behavior from any early age is important. In Cody's case, his owner reports that he demonstrated some "clumsiness" as a puppy, and it is certainly possible that this was due to his early-onset cataracts. With time, the increase in density of his cataracts led to further vision impairment and an increase in "cloudiness" of both eyes and his owner was very proactive about having him evaluated. If cataracts are diagnosed early, as with Cody, surgical removal is highly successful, with over 90% of eyes maintaining good to excellent vision long-term. If you think your pet could be demonstrating abnormal behavior or potentially be experiencing vision impairment, he or she should be evaluated by your primary care veterinarian who may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Swift diagnosis and treatment of most eye diseases, including cataracts, help to maximize the chances for a successful outcome."

We are so proud of Cody and impressed with his strength and character. We're pleased to see him back to his spry, agile self, and are thrilled to call him our Patient of the Month!