Update On Bentley

I have been receiving phone calls and emails from dear friends who have 

been concerned about little Bentley and the outcome of his appointment

at Texas A&M Veterinary Hospital.  I want to thank everyone for all the

kind thoughts and prayers for this little guy.  I can never begin to 

adequately express how much your outpouring of love for Bentley

has meant to me.

It was a long drive from Victoria up to College Station, three hours

to be exact.  We tried to be very calm and cool about it because we

did not want to stress Bentley out.  This was the first time I visited

the Veterinary School of the University and I was so impressed by

the number of buildings in the complex devoted to the science of

animal medicine.  Our appointment was at the small animal hospital.

From the moment I entered, I was encouraged by the staff and their

kindness and obvious love and compassion for all the dogs who

entered the waiting area.  This was very reassuring to me.

Bentley's appointment was with an Ophthalmologist.  There were

also residents in attendance during Bentley's exam.  Although 

Bentley could not have been a worse patient, much to my chagrin,

they were so patient and kind to him.  Bentley squirmed and fussed,

and though it hurt me to see him so stressed, it was in his best interest

that I allow the exam to continue.  

The results are as follows.  Bentley is blind in his right eye and there

is nothing they can do to restore his sight.  Despite the fact that he was

properly treated and seemingly recovered from the possum fight,

his eyelid was apparently damaged and has been preventing him 

from blinking properly and closing completely.  His right eye has

actually atrophied in response.

He has a cataract in his left eye.  The doctor explained to me that

cataracts are quite common in Yorkies.  At this point, we will 

follow a course of eye drops in this eye and see how it responds.

We will be returning in a few weeks to check the progress and his

doctor will decide at that time if he is a good candidate for cataract

surgery.  So, prayers are still requested.  

Of course I am hoping and praying that the sight in his left eye

can be improved and I will do everything I can to facilitate an

improvement.  I also have come to terms with the possibility

that he could soon be completely blind.  It's been a tough couple

of days for me.  Should that be the ultimate outcome, we will

deal with it as it comes.  Many have contacted me and told me

of their blind dogs and their dog's capacity to adjust to this 

handicap.  Bentley's doctor also assured me that this is so, and

that Bentley could still have a happy life.  Whatever happens,

I will love him just as much if not more than ever, and so will

David.  He is a very important member of our little family.

Thank you once again for your outpouring of love.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley