Our 11 year old pug suddenly lost his eyesite and hearing within the last 3 weeks. Although never great he heard any snack open or saw a box of food easily then one day no hearing and no sight . Our long term vet could find nothing wrong in his eye exam and his hearing. They recommendeda neurologist but they want 2,800 for an MRI...just can not handle that but I/we also can not handle seeing pugsley strugle to find his way bumping into walls and shaking..we hold him as much as we can now and sleep side by side...tearing us up any hints ideas also help for a blind pug ?? ANYTHING Begging...help
Replies
MamaPugford (almost 4 years ago)
So sorry to hear about this, I know its hard for you to watch. Have you thought of getting a second opinion from another vet or neurologist? Doesn't hurt to check around and prices or diagnoses might be different!
Nano07 (almost 4 years ago)
Pugs ears and eyes are really sensitive. Dough his very young to have this complications. There are some question? Does his ears smell bad or does he scrach them a lot? Cuz that may be an infeccion that can be cure but about his sight did he have contact with any chemicals, an insect anything that could have harm his sight? May be a stroke. If I were you all get a second opinion from a different vet even a third!
devonator (almost 4 years ago)
My Max deveolped SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Detachment Syndrome) 4 years ago at the age of 10. Could see one day, next day totally blind. Unfortunately, it does happen with pugs. However, the sudden loss of hearing along with the blindness is of concern.
Does he stagger or tilt his head to one side?? When he walks, does he tend to lean to one side or walk in circles? What is the shaking about? Does his entire body shake or does he shake his head as if something in the ears? Did they do any blood work to see if he had elevated white blood cells to possibly indicate an infection?
I certainly understand the position you're in. I've been there before with one of my pugs. I highly recommend taking him to another vet and keep trying to find answers without having to get the MRI. Sure, that would help rule out neurological issues but there has to be an alternative. It could be infection, poisoning, or any of several other causes. At his age, cataracts can set in within a matter of days causing a loss of vision but the vet should have picked up on that.
Please, let us know what you find out.
ironmanpugsley (almost 4 years ago)
Thanks everyone so far here is an update
Yes we did the full panel of blood tests no infections no thyroid or diabetes nothing at all showed up
He walks fine and there are no symptoms or signs of any type that indicate stroke
I found an opthamologist and will see him monday
Any suggestions on how to help him feel better getting around in this state welcomed
THANKS love him ...like my kids.. ant to protect him
devonator (almost 4 years ago)
I'm so glad he'll be seen soon! Also, that there is no stumbling, staggering of circling! One of mine did this and the outcome was not good.
Now, the best way to make things easier for him to get around is to not move ANYTHING in the home in the pathway he's accustomed to walking. Even the rugs. His functioning senses will sharpen acutely and he can feel on the pads of his feet where he is. His bumping into furniture and walls his way of learning which way he needs to go. As hard as it is, don't pick him up to carry him unless he seems to be in distress. He may get himself into a corner or behind a piece of furniture and just can't find his way out.
He's going to need reassurance that you are close by and may even cry out for you. With Max, I always put him beside me on the sofa and if he's on the floor, I try to put my leg and foot right up against him so he knows I'm right there. When he wakes, he'll especially need to know someone is close by.
When you're not home, make sure he's crated or enclosed in an area so he can't wander around and potentially hurt himself. As a senior at 11, plus being blind and deaf, try to not suddenly startle him. Alot of commotion around will only make him anxious and nervous.
I've tried to think of things that help with Max but it has become such a routine, it's hard to name them off. If I think of more, I'll definitely let ya know. He's lucky to have a family that loves him so much! Paws crossed, lots of prayers and good puggy vibes sent your way from Max, Oreo, Maggie and Holly (and me too, of course!)
Anything changes, let us know!!
frostnipper (almost 4 years ago)
i think pugs4me is going through a onset of blindness with one of her pugs, maybe you could help one another.... the thread is pug gone blind- under the topic of under the weather. so sad( wipes away tear)
puggylou (almost 4 years ago)
puggy lou has this black film infront of her pupils. i do not know how she can see though it. we have this eye medicine we give her every day. that is supposed to help. the vet said that she will become blind when she gets older, i don't want that to happen!!
KatB (almost 4 years ago)
I to have a partially blind pug. Sulynn. She came to me this way when I adopted her. She has scratches on both eyes. She has done pretty good. She sees some stuff but uses other senses to really find her way. Over the last 6 months her eye sight has started to fail evenmore. I try not to move furniture or change her living space indoors/outdoor to much. I also make sure doorways to stairs are always closed. In obedience class when I work her, I use to be able to go 25-30 feet away on a recall or sit stay. Now I can only go about 6 ft. before she panics and breaks to find me. I use eye drops to lubracate and Meds. to keep them clean and lubracated. I feel so bad for her. Am so sorry to hear about your pug too. Hoping for the best for you and yours.
predatorpug (almost 4 years ago)
Oh my...sniff sniff
I am so sorry to hear all of this. You may want to talk about a payment plan to the neorologist for the MRI. It never hurts to ask. wags and licks to you all....Kamoku and Misaki
pugnonna (over 2 years ago)
Canyou give me an update? Our grandpug has the same symptoms and wondered how you came out?
kbailey (over 2 years ago)
Your story is making me cry! My mom had a maltese poodle that went blind. We felt really sorry for her but she got sooo good at finding her way round, even when mom moved the furniture to clean. She lived to a good age and she was blind for about 4 years. I don't have any good advice, but I know that a blind dog can be comfortable and happy. Please keep us updated
Lihuesue (over 2 years ago)
I'm sorry to hear about your puggie... you are ruling out things by having tests done. I know some of the fees are way too much for normal people to afford. I was facing $2600 for my lil girl Pug for her life saving surgery. I could have put the amount on my credit card, but the interest... Someone told me about Care Credit and Citi-Bank Citi-Health. These plans are free to join and it depends on the doctors and vets on who accepts what and what plans they will accept. In my Pug's case, her surgeon took Care Credit, a six month plan. I applied and was approved (I was on unemployment at the time too) for almost double the amount for her surgery. With this plan, I had six months to pay it off in full with no interest. As long as I paid the minimum payment every month with the total being paid off in six months - no interest!! I would try to pay as much as I could each month, some months I could only pay $100, others I paid $400... but it gives you a little breathing room so you can get you puppers tests.... Just a thought to let you know, there is some help.
LauraC34 (about 1 year ago)
Hi there I was wondering if you got any answers the same thing has happened to my 4 yr old perfectly healthy pug. I have no clue whats going on still waiting for the optamoligist and I am losing my mind. Sam will not leave my side for more than ten minutes and wakes panicked looking for me. it's so confusing how does this just happen!
xyzmtandb (about 1 year ago)
Hello, so sorry you are dealing with this. I went through this too with our pug, Paulie. Well, we rescued him and a few months later we realzied he became completely deaf. Then about 4 months later, he went completely blind in both eyes from SARDS. He also has COPD. the poor guy was a pup mill stud for 10 yrs prior to us rescuing him. They adjust fine to the conditions, but will still bump into things on occasion. Some recommend placing different scented candles in each room to lead them around, also, using carpets or mats allow them to know they are coming to close to a certain area if you so wish to go that route. My husband and I still have heartache over our precious baby having to live in a dark and silent world, but you know, he is such a happy pug you wouldn't even know he had any problems. haaa still runs wags his tail walks around neighborhood and of course will always find the food bowls. haaaa best of luck!
xyzmtandb (about 1 year ago)
Oh, sorry I wanted to add just this one thing.... Paulie has lived with this now for almost 4 yrs.. he will be 14 in August. Dogs are wonderful animals, they just live in the moment !
Kimmi-Lewie (11 months ago)
Hey Guys, My Lewie is also Blind - has been for about 5 years now. His hearing is going too but he is still the same happy pug! I was devestated when I first found out but its crazy to see how well they deal with it - You really wouldnt notice it with him now. Obviously he walks into the odd thing if I have a move around and I have to be carefull when at the woods as a few times he has wandered into bushes. The way I communicate with him now is by stamping my feet, he doesnt always know wheres its coming from but it reasures him to know im there. I tested out something the other day by going to a bit field and i had my friend hold him at one point and I walked all the way round the field. We then let him off the lead and he followed the scent all the way round. So be aware that all though he may be blind and deaf and overall puggyfied - their sence of smell is hightened alot which will help aid them get around. Hope this helps, my boy is 12 now and is continuing to enjoy life - trips to the beach - farm - forest.. They are clever little soldiers xx
three_cute (11 months ago)
Sending good thoughts your way from all of us...when we brought stella home she was four months old and lived in a puppy mill...the first thing the vet told us was that she was blind and deaf. I didn't believe him because she got around fairly well, but then I did notice that she would run into things more outside or if i moved the furniture around she would bump into it...but i learned like most of the rest of the pug parents on here with to do and not to do. She runs around and does her pug thing and is very happy! Wishing your baby the best also! deb and kids
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