Hi, it's me, Rosie the Min Pin.  I am 5 1/2 years old now.  I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida.  I live there with my mom & dad who are retired.  Last December they found out I had diabetes and started sticking me with a needle twice a day.  I try to escape but they always pin me down.  Anyway, a few months later my vet, Dr. Saleh at Ehrlich Animal Hospital in Tampa noticed these cataracts forming in my eyes.  Mom and dad got scared and took me to the eye vet.  He said we should remove the cataracts before they get worse and I wouldn't be able to see at all anymore.  I see some things now but not as clearly as I should.  I can't see to play catch or chase the lizards in the yard.  Anyway, they decided to do surgery on my eyes and put some lenses in if things looked okay once the eye vet got started with surgery.  So mom will tell you how things go with me. 

Here's mom.
The surgery will cost approximately $2600. which includes 6 weeks of check ups afterwards.  The eye medications are extra. We are having the surgery done at Southern Eye Clinic for Animals in Tampa Florida - Dr. E. Dan Wolf (Veterinary Opthamologist) will be doing the surgery.  He is a very gentle and caring man and we trust him completely.  We had to have a Fructosamine test and blood chemistry tests done earlier to make sure she was in good shape for the surgery. The eye vet did a thorough eye check also checking the pressure. We have insurance through VPI and  hopefully they will pay around $1000.  for the cataract surgery. 

Thursday, July 27, 2006
We have started Rosie on eye drops (Diclofenac) twice a day and ointment (Vetropolycin) three times a day in preparation for surgery.  She hates to have them put in her eyes and this is another struggle.

Friday, July 28, 2006
Rosie had a late evening meal because she could not have any food in the morning prior to surgery. 

Saturday, July 29, 2006
Rosie had a bath this morning.  No food and was given 1/2 her insulin.  Surgery is scheduled for 12 noon.
We arrived at the opthamologist around 11am and Rosie was examined prior to surgery.  All looked in readiness and we left her and were told we would be called to pick her up around 4pm. 
The surgery went well.  A new lens was put in the left eye.  The  right eye could not support the new lens. The fibers were too weak.  He removed the Vitreous fluid from the right eye. We were told she would be farsighted in the right eye and it would be no problem for her.  She must wear the e-collar for a while, no sun, no running or jumping or barking.  We were given a mild pain reliever and antibiotic.  Continue with the drops and ointment each 3 times a day. We brought her home and she ate her dinner and had her evening injection of insulin. She had a bit of a restless evening.  Got up twice to drink and urinate.
Here's Rosie.
Hi guys.   This thing went really well.  I do look like a racoon though cause they shaved the area around my eyes. Now I have to wear this plastic cone and I keep bumping into things.  I guess I'll just have to get used to it cause mom says she doesn't want me to scratch my eyes if they get itchy.

Sunday, July 30, 2006
Boy I hate this plastic cone.  I keep spilling my water bowl when it catches on the side of it.  Mom says no problem and keeps wiping up the floor.  When I go out in the yard I can't sniff the grass to go potty cause this cone gets caught in the grass.  One good thing though is that I can now see the lizards and I want to chase them. I can see.  HOORAY.  Mom & dad bought me these things called "doggles".  They say I can see in the sun with them but they are a pain in the a$$ and I want to paw them off!! 
See me in these doggles in the picture here. 

What will they do next???

Monday, July 31, 2006
Today Rosie went to see Dr. Wolf (opthamologist).  He said the eyes looked very very good.  He told Rosie she is a good patient. Actually she is taking all of this very well.  We will return for another check on Thursday this week.

Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Rosie doesn't like the eye drops but we need to do them three times a day.  There is some gunk that builds up in the corners of the eye which we clean with a damp cotton ball. 

Wednesday, August 2, 2006
Rosie has a normal day.  She wants to go swimming in the pool so we know she feels better . 

Thursday, August 3, 2006
Rosie saw the opthamologist this morning.  He said she was doing very well and both eyes were clear.  The eye pressure is normal and she has good vision.
Next visit on Friday Aug. 11.

Friday, August 4, 2006
Things are uneventful.  Rosie may be gaining a little weight due to lack of exercise. 

Saturday, August 5, 2006
Today is one week since the surgery.  Rosie says she survived very well. The eyes are healing but a little itchy and Rosie is accepting the eye drops and ointment.  She is also used to the collar although I feel so sorry for her trying to get around with it. 

Sunday, August 6, 2006.
 All you doggies out there, or moms and dads, Rosie can be e-mailed if anyone wants to ask her any questions or wish her a continued good recovery. 
Her address is  tamparosie2901@aol.com
Will update this as needed.
Mary Jo & Rosie

Friday, August 11, 2006
Rosie visited the opthamologist today.  Everything is healing as it should be.  The eyes are clear and the pressure is normal. Continue with the drops and ointment 3 times a day for 2 more weeks.  Continue wearing the collar. Her next visit is 8/24/06.
Rosie says she is so happy to see the lizards now and wants to get the collar off so she can catch them.

Sunday, August 13, 2006
Hi all, 
Mama's grandchildren came for a visit. 
All I want to do is kiss them but it is hard to do with this silly collar on.

I wish they would take it off soon. 
It has been 2 weeks since my surgery and mama said I am healing well.   I do have an ear infection now so it is drops in the ears as well as the eyes. 
Love,
Rosie

Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Veterinary Pet Insurance of Brea, California has paid on the claim for Rosie's cataract surgery.  Out of the $2598. fee,  they paid $1844.  We were surprised at how much they covered.  We took out the insurance when Rosie was 5 months old so there were no pre-existing conditions.  We have the superior plan and pay $345. per year.  It has definitely helped with the veterinary fees.  Rosie is doing well and we are so happy that we went ahead with the surgery.

update update update update update update one year later
This is a little info since Rosie's cataract surgery done 7/29/06.
 
The past year since the surgery has been mostly uneventful.  We still continue to put the Diclofenac drops in her eyes every day.  Last month she had a bit of conjunctivitis in one eye which was cleared up with  eye drops from the vet.  Rosie has good  vision in both eyes. Far vision in the eye (the one without the lens) and close vision in the eye with the lens. But the eyes have adjusted well.

She swims every day (living in Florida) and can jump in and  fetch her toys from the pool.  Rosie is very happy and her diabetes is well controlled since we switched from the Vetsulin to the Humulin N a few months ago. We are so happy that we had the surgery done and it has made a big difference in all of our lives. We do see the Veterinary Opthalmologist three times a year now for eye pressure checks and all has been well. 

Here is Rosie by the pool.