r/PiratePets

Hey yall, I am in need of support and advice for the post recovery process for my Shiba Inu, Hana, who lost both her eyes in a double enucleation surgery.

Hana started developing glaucoma back in March 2026. Over the course of the last few months, her vision had been getting worse. She started bumping into things, needing me to help navigate her around the house, and being more lethargic than she used to be. I consulted our veterinarian and tried to use the droplets to help alleviate pressure but her right eye kept getting worse and her left eyes pressure stabilized but was still very high. Our doctor consulted with us the option of either getting the surgery that could stop the fluid in her eyes from building but wouldn’t address something in both eyes become dislocated (I’m not entirely sure what it’s called but her left eye is grayed out but her right eye they said it fell backwards while the other fell forwards). The other was double enucleation which they claimed that would be the better option as the pain from pressure and from the thing in the eye being dislocated would be alleviated.

I had a lot to consider on what to do. I have recently gotten married and our daughter is 10 months old as of July 2nd. We also just lost our other dog, a great Pyrenees named flapjack of 10 years, as of last year. We also have been experiencing financial hardship from the increased cost of everything, the birth of our child, and charges incurred from all of flapjacks vet bills and being put down. On top of that, our wedding was in April and no amount of cost cutting prepared us for how expensive the wedding would be (I say all this not as a request for pity, but rather contextual understanding).

It became apparent that I could no longer push back the surgery and spoke with our veterinarian on scheduling the enucleation. They said she didn’t have any vision so that it wouldn’t change much of how she will interact in her environment. I knew going in how hard it was to longer be able to look upon those pretty chestnut eyes that would look back at me behind her loving smile when I get home. I couldn’t keep seeing her be in pain and confused and unable to do the same things she once did as a consequence of losing her vision. I also knew that the pain could create more anxiety and tension that both my wife and I were afraid could create a problem with our growing baby.

Then came the surgery. Our vet took her in and she was calm. Still in pain but having faith in me that her owner would do whatever he could to help her. The vet called me later that afternoon and said everything went great and she was ready to be picked up. They gave me tons of instructions and answered all my questions on what recovery looks like. I tried preparing myself for what this new normal would be. But as anyone else who’s gone with this process knows, you are never prepared enough to see a life altering change on your beloved fur baby. It broke my heart seeing her after the surgery but I had to remain steadfast and strong in loving and caring for her during this time.

Now the time came for after the surgery. I work weekend nights, so I’m able to be with her while my wife and child sleep and for the first night, Hana was fine. Sleepy, not eating a whole lot but would let me feed her pain meds and treats. She Would let me take her outside in our little backyard and would stumble around a bit but still navigate the yard as she would when she was younger. She also would bump into stuff more, because of the cone, but Still was able to navigate our house. Then the weekend comes, and I am awoken by my wife crying because Hana’s been crying and whelping all morning. I went to her and it brought tears to my eyes hearing her cries. They were sharp cries followed by whimpers that sounded like she was in pain. I tried to console her but she would still cry. I had given her treats, fed her pills, and given her more tender pets and tried to console her. She would calm down but now she would start pacing. Stumbling around the house, restlessly walking around our living room and kitchen, until finally collapsing whether it be from being tired or coming to terms with the loss of her eyes. This same thing occurred again today and I took her outside to let her walk around, gave her water, and continued trying my best to love and attend to her. I feel so bad for my wife having to handle this while I rest after working 12 hours over night.

I have been feeling extreme guilt because I didnt know what to expect as well as seeing Hana in pain and anxious. I thought I was doing the right thing for her. I consulted doctors, read articles, and talked with my wife to try and figure out what we should do in her best interest. I’ve reached out to the vet to assist and they’ve given me some resources and also gave us additional medications to help with anxiety and pain. It has been an awful emotional blow. Have I caused great harm to my family? Did I take the wrong course of action and lower Hana’s quality of life? Am I overreacting since she’s still in the window of recovery?

What advice I seek from this post is this:
What did your dogs recovery look like
What helped your pet adjust to this new normal
How did you alleviate anxiety of the loss of their eyes
And for those with small children,
How did you ensure a safe and comfortable environment for a newly blind dog while also not feeling like you have to isolate your child?

Thank you all for reading this and any advice you are able to give.
In times like these, I think of a quote my college football coach would say to help me through this: “tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

He was inbred, some of his stuffing was put in the wrong place. But ive had him since birth and he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. He enjoys magic the gathering cards, dice, his carrots, hating his sister and eating cheese!

He lost both his eyes to glaucoma when he was 10. He passed 3 years ago, but I still think about him all the time.

Unfortunately we just joined the club after a burst corneal ulcer. We are now on day 2 post surgery. He was growling in his sleep last night and has been a little grisly since he woke up. It’s almost time for his morning meds. The incision site looks ok. I’m going to check in with the vet when they open. I’m going to assume some of the growling is disorientation and pain. Any other thoughts?

Another fun play date with our doggos June (pomchi) and Johnny (long haired chihuahua) with friends Clover (Pekingese) and Harlow (Shih Tzu)

Found this little cutie at a zoo in wales today! I’ve never seen a one eyed meerkat before and I’m happy he wasnt ostracised from his pack and still played his part.

A truly spectacular thing occurred today. My dog regrew her eyes. I guess we can’t be in this sub anymore. 😔

And adopt locally or a senior from Muttville.org in SF

Darcy - my favorite little pirate!

This is Truman. 🏴‍☠️

He and his sister were found in the woods and rescued by a local animal shelter. We brought them home when they were 3 days old to bottle-feed and foster them, and it didn’t take long to realize Truman wasn’t going anywhere.

His left eye never developed correctly, so he’s been a pirate from the very beginning.

He’s 2.5 now, loves swimming in the lake, absolutely adores kids, and is somehow convinced lawn flags are terrifying despite weighing 80+ pounds.

As if one developmental defect wasn’t enough, he’s currently getting ready for a total hip replacement because apparently his hips missed the memo too. He’s easily the most expensive “free” dog we have ever had, but we would spend every penny all over again.

0/10 quality control.
100/10 good boy.

Bal was found with a stump where his leg should have been. We don’t know what caused the injuries, but he doesn’t let it slow him down!!!

Last pic scribbled because I was working.

Just found this subreddit today and had to share. This is our Penny pirate. She wants you to know she had a great glaucoma pressure checkup and exam and couldn’t wait to get home and get a good girl treat.