Zoo visit (pictures later) + Raven

[mistressofmuses]

Went to the zoo today! We'd planned to last week, but Alex wasn't feeling well. Today wound up being a perfect day to go - nicely warm, but no longer HOT. Lots of animals were out and appreciating the weather, too, which is always fun. As almost always, we ran out of time at the end - the late morning ticketing times were sold out, so we went at 12:15... and even with 5 hours, hit closing time while we were still in the "Tropical Discovery" building, and had to speed-walk the last several exhibits.

Took a ton of pictures, as ever, so I'll try to get those posted tomorrow. :)

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In less fun news, apparently Raven (my mom and Taylor's dog) very suddenly went blind yesterday. She's fairly old - 10 years old? Maybe 11? - and has had a few "bumping into things" issues for a long time. But this was just very sudden and complete, and Taylor said she was obviously distressed about it, seeming confused and scared.

Taylor took Raven to the vet today, and they said she seems fine otherwise. She has some inflammation around the ocular nerves, so they gave her some treatments that will hopefully help that. It's possible that if the inflammation is resolved, that some or all of her vision may come back, but it also may not.

It sounds like she seems more well-adjusted tonight - she's navigating a bit better, and she seems less upset. They blocked off the stairs to the basement just to prevent any falls, but otherwise she's fortunately only ever really spent time on the main level of the house, so this won't restrict too much of her movement, assuming she figures out how to navigate.

I know several people who've had or have known blind dogs that adjust fairly well, even when it happens later in life, and I don't doubt that Raven will do so if she needs to. But I very much wish there was a way to explain to a dog what's happened, because that's gotta be terrifying.

Comments

[scarlipswolfwife]

Awwwww! Poor Raven! I would imagine she's disoriented and terrified. Poor baby.

[mistressofmuses]

I know. :( Poor baby. She seemed to be doing okay when I saw her today. Clearly couldn't see me, but was happy for affection and attention. She oriented fairly well, though she's moving slow and had a couple bumps into cabinets and walls. I'm still hopeful the steroid shot and the eyedrops will return some of her vision, but it's possible that even if the inflammation clears up, the blindness could be permanent.

[spikedluv]

I'm glad you had a nice day yesterday! It was cold and rainy here, but there's sun today. It's only 57 degrees and windy, but I think it's supposed to hit the low 60s the next two days, which will be nice. And then colder temps move in. :(

You need to start your visit to the zoo at the other end! *g*

Poor Raven! That must've been very scary for her. I hope she gets most of her vision back when the inflammation goes down.

[mistressofmuses]

It was very nice! Brrr, cold and rainy. :( I love rain, but not *cold* rain. Our next week is supposed to be pretty nice, but it was colder than forecast today (chilly and windy!), so we'll see.

We really do! During covid, they implemented a one-way pathway through the grounds, and that map has stuck with me! But the restriction on direction of travel has been lifted, so next time we'll have to head clockwise!

I'm sure it had to be really scary for Raven. :( I really hope her vision returns. They should know in another day or two if the steroid shot helped, and she'll start some eyedrops tonight. Sadly, it is possibly permanent. But I saw her today, and she seems to be navigating a bit better, and was happy and responsive to attention, at least!

[spikedluv]

I'm glad she's not as freaked out as she was. I'll keep her in my thoughts.

[mistressofmuses]

Me too! Thank you!

[olivermoss]

An, poor pupper. That's got to be stressful. I'm glad that it's possible to adjust.

[mistressofmuses]

It has to be stressful. :( I just wish we could explain it to her, even though it wouldn't really change anything. Ideally, some vision will come back, but at least I think she'll adjust, even if it doesn't.