Our Journey with a Blind Dog: Finding the Right Treatment and a Great Vet Clinic
check_circlePros
- Speedy diagnosis helped us get a clear picture of our dog's condition, and it was a huge relief.
- The pros at Veda clinic are top-notch, with a deep understanding of ophthalmology and a passion for helping pets.
- Their solution to our problem was thoughtful and well-planned, and it's been a game-changer for our dog's quality of life.
- The staff at Veda clinic is friendly, attentive, and always willing to help - they truly care about their patients.
- Their equipment is top-notch, with state-of-the-art technology that's always up-to-date.
- The clinic's location is super convenient, with plenty of parking and easy access to public transportation - it's a total win for pet owners.
cancelCons
- The Snezhnaya branch can get pretty busy, with long queues for popular ophthalmologists - just be prepared.
- The clinic's small size can be a challenge, especially for dogs with mobility issues - but they're working on it.
- Booking an appointment in advance is a must, especially for non-emergency visits - it's worth the extra effort.
- The clinic's hospital wing can be a bit overwhelming, especially for anxious pets - but the staff is super helpful.
- Their medication options can be limited, especially for dogs with specific needs - but they'll work with you to find a solution.
- The clinic's on-call ophthalmologist is a game-changer, but be prepared for long wait times - it's worth it in the end.
Editor's Summary
A year ago, my Siberian Husky lost her sight, and it was a total game-changer for our family. We've had our ups and downs with treatment, but I'm excited to share our experience with Veda clinic. From speedy diagnosis to compassionate care, they've been a lifesaver for us. While there have been some challenges, I'm grateful for their expertise and dedication to helping our furry friends.
Specifications
Our Journey with a Blind Dog: Finding the Right Treatment and a Great Vet Clinic
A year ago, my family experienced a huge setback - my beloved Siberian Husky lost her sight.
It happened suddenly: one evening, I came home from work and found her eyes swollen and puffy. On our walks, she'd trip over snowbanks, bump into furniture, and struggle to navigate stairs. I had to carry her up and down the stairs. Before this, she hadn't shown any signs of trouble, except for a minor eye issue in the morning.
Given that she'd been seeing an ophthalmologist at the Veda clinic for over a year (lipoid degeneration of the cornea), and he was her evening medication, we decided to call them to confirm if he was available that day. Unfortunately, he was on vacation, and other clinics wanted us to book an appointment, even for an emergency.
The next morning, she couldn't open her eyes and refused to move around the house. I won't go into details about her bathroom habits, but she was completely disoriented.
That's when Veda clinic, based on the veterinary ophthalmology center of Dr. A.G. Shilkin, came to our rescue.
The day she was examined by two ophthalmologists was a turning point. The diagnosis wasn't what we'd hoped for: uveitis with retinal detachment.
They immediately put her on IV medication to lower her intraocular pressure and took a blood test, which showed no underlying issues.
Over the next year, we had to constantly adjust her treatment due to incompatibility issues with certain medications, their unavailability in Russia, and emerging complications (toxic cataract on the backdrop of long-term Maxitrol use). We even installed an air conditioner to prevent heat-related complications.
This is what her patient card looks like a year laterWhile we managed to control the retinal detachment, uveitis is a lifelong diagnosis. We still can't pinpoint the cause, so it keeps recurring.
These are her eyesSo, how's she doing now? She's fully adapted and can even see a bit! She loves playing with other dogs, moving around the house and outside, and going to the clinic for check-ups.
However, we avoid taking her out in the sun for too long - she looks for shade and hides. We only take her out on her Hurtta harness. We also give her eye drops four times a day and a tablet orally to keep her eyes healthy.
What else can I say about the clinic?
The clinic on Snezhnaya is super convenient: it's a 5-minute walk from the metro, and there are plenty of free parking spots nearby. However, the clinic itself is small, with a steep staircase that was tough for my dog to navigate at first.
It's best to book an appointment in advance, but if your pet needs emergency care, they'll definitely help you out. The clinic has a hospital wing and other specialized vets, including a dermatologist.
I appreciate their 'on-call' ophthalmologist, who's available for emergency visits any day of the week. Be prepared for long queues, though, especially for popular ophthalmologists.
In 2022, we had her eyes removed under general anesthesia. Everything went smoothly, and she's doing great. The stitches are even and there were no post-op complications.
I highly recommend Dr. Shilkin's veterinary ophthalmology center ('Veda' clinic).
I hope this review was helpful, and your pets stay healthy!
Convenient locationExperienced ophthalmologistsEmergency care availableSmall clinic with a steep staircaseLong queues for popular ophthalmologistsCons:
Steep staircase in the clinicLong queues for popular ophthalmologists
