Zeus' Entropion Update
- haidinyak
- Jan 21, 2020
- 5 min read
It has officially been over a month since Zeus first went for his Entropion Surgery. Since that day we have been going to a lot of follow up appointments to make sure everything is healing properly, that there is no infection happening, and to make sure that the after care is going well. It's so important to keep up with the after care to keep everything healing on track and to prevent any post-op issues. We also want to make sure his eyelids are not rolling back in and are in fact tightening up instead of becoming too droopy so that he doesn’t need another surgery. So far so good thankfully, and each appointment seems to have better news then the last.
Our first follow up was just three days after the surgery on Dec 21st. This was to make sure the stitches were holding properly and to see that no infection was beginning to flare up. The vet also wanted to see if the skin around the eyes had started to tighten up as well. I wasn’t sure if Zeus would enjoy visiting the vet as much as previous times because we had to leave him alone there last time. But as always when we pulled up to the vet office Zeus went into excited happy mode, little stub wagging and all. He ran right up to the door, hoped up onto his bench to wait his turn, and smile at the receptionist.
It wasn’t long before Dr. Holmes came out and Zeus ran right over, sat in front of him on his feet, and looked up to say “Ok, I’m ready for my pets and treats”. I guess there is no hard feelings after all. Dr. Holmes checked him over and looked into his eyes, and he was happy to tell us everything was coming along just as he had hoped. The bottom lid was tightening up nicely and his eyelids were staying in place. The stitches had a little scabbing on them but as per Dr. Holmes that was normal and everything around the stitches looked okay He made sure that he was eating and drinking well, and back into a regular routine. Once business was over it was time for some snuggles and treats. The vet asked how Zeus was doing as he was not wearing a cone at his visit. We explained that I was very nervous about what could happen at home and so while there he wears the cone most of the time. Dr. Holmes said that was just fine and he made sure we were okay with all the follow up medication we had been given and that we were applying it with no issues. The whole time Zeus was getting his pets and being a very good boy. We got all our questions out of the way and then we booked in for the next follow up before heading back home.
Our second follow up was Dec 27th a week later. This visit was for the same reasons as the first follow up. Dr, Holmes checked the stitches and make sure everything was still holding in place and there was still no infection. He also made sure the skin was still tight and holding the eyelids out. I was a little worried about the stitches this time because over the Christmas holidays Zeus had been so excited to see the family he kept bumping into things, and at one point we noticed the stitch in his right eye was bleeding. Freak out moment! We made sure to stop the bleeding and get the area clean, but it ended up re-scabbing over. We made sure to give the vet all of this information and Dr. Holmes said we did the right thing and that he would reassess that eye. Thankfully he told us everything was still good and we could put all our worries behind us.. He did note that Zeus’ eyes were still a little red in the white area of the eye so we were to stop the Optixcare Eye Health and go back to using the Ocuflox eye drops we had from before his surgery to clear up the redness. Other then that everything got the thumbs up and Zeus got his snuggles and treats in before we headed off home.
Our third follow up was Jan 15th, 4 weeks since Zeus had his surgery. It was an early appointment so we had to drag Zeus out of his comfy bed (aka my bed) but as soon as he realized we were going to the car he got excited, so off we went to visit the vet and see how everything was doing after a month. When we got to the vet office Zeus was so happy, he went right up to his bench as usual and waited his turn. Then Dr. Holmes came out and got his snuggles from Zeus. He looked over his eyes and remarked on how much they had cleared up from being red. Dr. Holmes decided to take Zeus off his Ocuflox eye drops and have us go back to using the steroid one called Optixcare Eye Health for a little bit longer to make sure the last bit of the healing process goes perfectly. He also tried to remove the last of the stitches but Zeus would not sit still, he really wanted to give lots of kisses, so in the end Dr. Holmes decided to just let them fall out on their own. They don’t seem to be bugging Zeus in anyway and he never tries to scratch, he really is an amazing dog when it comes to listening and us being able to trust him. I decided to do a weigh in for him while we were there and Zeus came in at 86 lbs. Not too bad, but I would like him to loose a little bit more weight, to make sure he is as healthy as can be and not putting unnecessary strain on his legs or knees, Dr. Holmes was pleased with his progress so far and said for Zeus' size he was on track. As always, once all the business was out of the way it was time for snuggles with everyone, even the student training there and the receptionist got in on it and were able to give Zeus some treats. Then came the words I have been waiting for since this whole eye drama started. Zeus got the all clear. No more vet visits every few weeks, no more eye drops, no more trying different ideas, just home for a normal life full of being spoiled and being pain free, And more importantly he wouldn't need any more surgeries. I was so happy that I got Zeus to give me a high five, to which everyone wanted to try and get one too. Zeus always the good boy was pleased to oblige. So with a final goodbye we headed out to start our next adventures with Zeus - going back to school. Now that Zeus isn’t in any pain and can see well again I decided to pick up our training and move forward with a future together being the best companions we can be. Look for that blog to come out soon as we move forward with classes.
Being able to see the difference now with Zeus' eyes it's hard too believe there was so much fear to go forward with the surgery. I am so glad we were able to do this for Zeus and give him the best life. Check out the before and after photos below. There is no more watery eyes, no more tear stains at all, no more squinting, and no more redness. Just big beautiful chocolate brown eyes full of so much love and devotion.
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