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“Alberto was extremely young and unlucky to be facing these issues…”

Meet Alberto!

Alberto was first referred to The Ralph as an emergency over the weekend. He had been diagnosed with uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) and cataracts (when the lens in the eye turns white) in both eyes. At the time of referral, Alberto’s right eye was already blind. Treatment for the uveitis was started immediately using eye drops, and he was booked to come back in for a check-up a few days later.

Three days after first meeting Alberto, he was seen by our Ophthalmologist, Heidi, to check on his progress. We knew he was already blind in the right eye, but unfortunately the cataract had progressed very quickly and the left eye had also become blind by this point. Heidi did an eye ultrasound scan and found that the cataracts had ruptured in both eyes.

Lens rupture explained…

The lens sits inside a ‘bag’ within the eye – if the cataract forms quickly, like in Alberto, it swells and can split the ‘bag’. The splitting of the ‘bag’ is known as a lens rupture.

Lens rupture is a serious condition which carries a high risk of complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye). Lens rupture is most commonly seen in diabetic dogs or following eye trauma, and is very rare in puppies.

Being so young, Alberto was very unlucky to be facing these issues, but together with Alberto’s lovely carers, we decided on the best next steps.

Heidi discussed the findings of the eye ultrasound with Alberto’s carers and recommended urgent cataract surgery. She outlined the significant risks involved, including the possibility of permanent blindness or even the need for eye removal should complications arise.

After careful consideration, it was decided to proceed with surgery, which was carried out the very next day.

Alberto’s right eye responded well to the surgery, but the left eye developed a significant haemorrhage inside the eye, and Alberto needed a second surgery to manage this. He remained hospitalised for a few days so our wonderful Ophthalmology and Wards teams could monitor him closely as the haemorrhage resolved.

Interestingly, Italian Greyhounds are known to have a higher-than-usual risk of retinal detachment associated with cataract surgery. Before going home, a repeat ocular ultrasound suggested a possible retinal detachment in Alberto’s left eye. For this, Alberto was referred to colleagues at Optivet Referrals, a centre that offers retinal reattachment surgery. Fortunately, no detachment was present. Phew!

In the weeks following surgery, Alberto continued to improve. His eyes were comfortable and visual. His uveitis improved gradually in response to ongoing medications, strict rest and regular monitoring by his family and The Ralph. 

Alberto was so calm throughout all of this, resting at home and being very tolerant of his medications and his Buster collar despite missing his friends at doggy daycare.

At a follow-up appointment a few months later, both eyes had healed well, and Alberto was given the OK to go to the beach!

We are thrilled that Alberto’s sight was saved (mostly so he has zoomie-appropriate vision for the beach!) and are grateful to be a small part of his story. Alberto’s case is unusual – the outcome has been positive and happy because of the urgent referral from Alberto’s primary vet, the urgent surgery at The Ralph, but most of all – Alberto’s ultra patient and calm disposition and the wonderful care and attention by his family!