Flintshire dog owner reveals shock after being told her pet needed both eyes removing

Experts at Eye Vet in Cheshire kept beloved pet Cleo pain-free and extended her sight for 18 months, however Karen Williams was initially left dismayed when Cleo then needed to have both eyes removed as a result of the intense pressure on her optic nerves caused by glaucoma.

READ MORE: Abandoned dogs find forever home

She has chosen Glaucoma Awareness Week (March 6-12) to highlight Cleo’s plight and raise awareness of the dangers of the condition.

She said: “When Cleo was two, we noticed a strange blueish colour to her eyes and we were horrified when vets told us she had inherited glaucoma.

“She was put on medication and later underwent surgery which helped keep her pain free and save her sight for another 18 months but in December last year we had to take the very hard decision to have both eyes removed.

Karen and her partner with Cleo

“We didn’t know what to expect but Cleo is a very patient and loving girl, and she has showed us what to do.

“She still loves chasing balls and walking on her extended lead. Often, people don't even realise she is blind.

“She has shown that dogs losing their sight can, and do, adapt. The postman still gets barked at, as do the local cats, so we still have our wonderful Cleo who is just the same as she was!"

READ MORE: Best places to take your dogs in Wrexham and Flintshire

Cleo’s veterinary treatment was led by Iona Mathieson, an advanced practitioner in ophthalmology at Eye Vet in Sutton Weaver.

Iona recalled: “We first saw Cleo for her inherited glaucoma back in June 2020. She had previously been given medication by her vets but it had a minimal effect.

“I explained to Karen that the long-term chance of success was poor but she was keen to give Cleo every chance of keeping her vision for as long as possible.

“She recovered well from surgery and, despite being blind, she is now happy without sight and enjoying her life back with her owner. She’s a remarkable dog.”