Help! My doodle has begun to roll his eyes back- seems to be a response to light but...

[Beth Henderson]

HELP!! We are totally stumped and I'm looking for some input from other doodle owners.....About 3 days ago our dog came in from his morning pee and wouldn't open his eyes.  IT was like he was blinded.  He was in good spirits but just wouldn't open his eyes.  (A similar thing happened when he was 4 months old- it went away in a day and we assumed it was an irritation from all of the pollen in the air.)  

He rested for a few hours and then began to open his eyes a little and his eye balls would just roll back and his head and the 'shell' between his eye lid and eye ball would come up over his eyes.  As the first day passed he would sleep or be awake in this semi blind state.  

It seemed to be getting better the second day so my husband took him to the park and the 'blindness' came on again.  He could fetch the ball and was walking into trees.  Concerned, my husband took him to the vet and he checked his eyes- no scratches but they were blood shot.  No fever.  Strong heart beat- all vitals normal.  He is about 3.5 years old.  Day 3, today, he is lethargic but eating and drinking and going to the bathroom.  The eye rolling seems to be triggered by light and when i happens he just closes his eye when they roll back.

My vet kept saying how 'weird' it was. It was like a wave of blind drunkess would come on and then disappear.  He thought maybe petit seizures or poisoned.  Perhaps mushrooms or drugs he ingested when running in the park??  He suggested blood work in a few days if things don't improve.  Has ANYONE ever experienced this or heard of anything like this.  I am feeling very helpless right now and want to do the best thing for Fisher!!

Beth.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I have no experience with this at all.  I googled "canine, photophobia" and there are numerous possibilities.  I would suggest you get a Veterinary opthamologist to examine Fisher's eyes.  In the meantime I would keep him out of the bright light.  It must be painful.  Good luck and please update his condition.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

This is so scary Beth and I'm so sorry!  I hope someone knows something about this and lets you know.  

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

How worrying for you, I don't know what this is but I would want a thorough medical check to find out the reason.  I would want all necessary tests to find the cause and I don't think if it were me I could bear to wait even one day.  Please keep us updated as we will be watching and hoping that this is something that is easily diagnosed and treated.  Sending Fisher lots of Doodle hugs from us.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I've never heard of this, and I'm sorry that it's happening to your dog. It's disturbing that the vet has no idea. I think if he were mine, I'd consult a specialist, either a veterinary opthalmologist or an IMS specializing in neurology. It does sound like a type of seizure.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I totally agree with you Karen...sound like seizures to me too....  In the post-ictal phase all the above mentioned symptoms are common...

 

[Sue & Lily Grace]

I am so sorry this is happening to your doodle. I would find an eye specialist and at least start there. Good luck and let us know what the outcome is. Hugs.

[Jennett Pulley]

It sounds like a seizure to me.  I am no vet and obviously not a dog, but I had very similar symptoms, went in for a CAT scan and came out with a lemon sized brain tumor.  It was on my focal nerve.  Better safe than sorry!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Beth...If it was me, I would keep a diary of what your dog is doing just prior to when you see the symptoms again.  Keep it handy and the next time it happens, write everything down...where you were, how was your dog acting, any clues that can help your vet or a specialist determine what is going on..

 

Good luck and keep us informed..

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Also, a video would help show the doctors what you are actually seeing when this happens.  A simple cell phone would do the trick.

I do have a dog who squints in the sun.  All the time.  But nothing like you are explaining.  This must be so scarey.  I too, would see a specialist.  An ophthalmologist or a neurologist

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Just yesterday someone told me about a dog they met that was allergic to sunlight. He had seizures when in sunlight. They were able to fit him with little goggles like sunglasses. Please keep us posted.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I know this must be terribly frightening.  I would definitely consider taking him to see a specialist.  Please let us know how he is doing.  Sending prayers your way.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Beth, I know this must have you terribly worried and I don't think a diagnosis of 'weird' is really very helpful. I have never heard of anything like this.  Is this a vet you have been seeing for awhile? Joanne's idea to video tape him is really a good one because seeing it happen might be more helpful than a description. I hope you find your answer and Fisher is back to normal soon.