Briggs_eyes_1

Our new arrival, little blind Briggs, is having a terrible flare-up with his eyes today.  We had noticed yesterday that he was sleeping a lot, more so than the other dogs, but we thought it was probably just because of the trip.  Yet this morning it was clear his eyes were suddenly very painful.  He was squinting a lot and had a lot of tearing, sure signs of ocular pain.  I called our primary care vet, Dr. Brenda Culver, first thing.  She suspected, as we did, that he’s going through a pressure spike with his glaucoma, so Brenda had me put him on some pain and anti-inflammatory medications.  I took that photo above of Briggs this afternoon, and you can see how painful those eyes look.  I bet he was probably sleeping a lot and was more subdued yesterday because he felt the pressure spike coming on.

In this next photo he’s not sleeping but actually rubbing his eyes repeatedly:

Briggs_rubbing_eyes

I had earlier scheduled an appointment for Brenda to see Briggs tomorrow morning in Helena, so we’ll have a much better idea then of what’s going on with him.

As much as his eyes were hurting, it didn’t keep him from looking forward to his dinner tonight.  While I was writing this, Alayne was in the dining room filling the 23 dog bowls, and Briggs heard the food being stirred and came to life.  He raced into the dining room and stood next to Alayne, baying at her until she finally gave him his bowl.  A hurting Beagle is still, well, a food-motivated Beagle!

(In case you’re wondering, the 23 bowls are for the dogs who stay with us in our house and the cottages next to our house; the rest of the dog family is over at Widget’s House.)

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15 responses to “My Eyes Hurt”

  1. Abby Creek Art Avatar

    Poor little Briggs…hope the pain meds work fast and well. What an adorable Beagle he is!

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  2. Shirley & James, Portland, OR Avatar
    Shirley & James, Portland, OR

    Briggs is a little darling and he didn’t arrive at RDR a minute to soon. You’ll get him to feel better in no time.

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  3. Carla Polastro-Nigro Avatar

    OMG, those eyes do look terribly painful, don’t they?
    Do you think Briggs’s eyes will have to be removed or his glaucoma can be kept under control with medication?
    I wish sweet Briggs a speedy recovery either way.

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  4. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    Poor Briggs!! Looking at his eyes made me squint!! 23 bowls of dog food.. geez and I only have to fill 5 dogs bowls and 2 outside kitty bowls….

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  5. Boundforglory Avatar
    Boundforglory

    Those do look like painful eyes!
    I hope Briggs is feeling some relief this morning.
    Work your magic good Dr. Culver!

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  6. gayle Avatar
    gayle

    Such a cutie. Hope he’s feeling better soon.

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  7. usfour Avatar
    usfour

    Aw Briggs – you are really adorable, eyes and all. I hope you get better and better – soon. You are in great hands!

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  8. jeanne Avatar
    jeanne

    Poor Briggs – it hurts just to look at his swollen eyes. I’m glad his condition hasn’t affected his appetite!

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  9. Brenda G Avatar
    Brenda G

    What a sweet picture…please keep us posted on how he’s doing!

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  10. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    Briggs, it makes my eyes hurt just looking at yours. You are in good hands and I’m certain relief is on the way. Make sure to stake out an extra-cozy blanket, and hopefully the meds will do some magic for you!

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  11. ginger & Tobias (the greythound) Avatar
    ginger & Tobias (the greythound)

    Those eyes do look painful! Ouch! I hope he can soon get relief from the pain. It’s good to know it doesn’t keep him from eating, though.
    Hugs to all,
    ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

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  12. Shelli Smith Avatar
    Shelli Smith

    Get well soon, Briggs! I’m glad that you still have your appetite…yep, you and Snoopy sure love your suppertime!

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  13. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    Poor boy! Hope treatment will give him quick relief.
    Briggs, you are in good care.

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  14. Heather R. Avatar
    Heather R.

    The pain is so clear in his poor little face.
    If they could only speak.

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  15. Hungrydog Avatar

    It’s sad when you can only do so much.

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