ABSTRACT: There are many reasons why a dog may become blind or partially sighted and veterinary professionals are perfectly placed to help owners guide them through the transition. The author has had extensive experience with blind dogs and believes they are able to lead normal, active lives with little intervention from their owners. This article highlights basic steps that can be taken to help blind and partially sighted dogs adjust and adapt to vision changes.

Author

Katy Orton BMus Hons, RVN, FdSc Veterinary Nursing, VNCert ECC

Katy qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2012 after falling in love with the profession whilst working in Grand Cayman and volunteering at a local veterinary practice. While studying veterinary nursing at Harper Adams University and after having lost a very special blind dog, Katy founded the Charity, Blind Dog Rescue UK. The charity specialises in supporting owners of blind dogs and also rehomes blind and partially sighted dogs from all over the world. Katy has always been passionate about welfare and rescue work and continues to help wherever she can as a veterinary nurse. Currently Katy is the veterinary nurse for Alderney Animal Welfare and is the proud owner of a blind dog, a partially sighted dog and a fully sighted dog. She has fostered over 20 dogs for Blind Dog Rescue UK and is still the chairperson for the charity Email: katyortonrvn@yahoo.co.uk

Keywords: blind dog, vision loss, enucleation, adapt blindness

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 35 (04) • April 2020 pp108-112

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