Guide dog has £5k operation to regain eyesight after going blind
- 4 days ago
A former guide dog has undergone a £5k operation to prevent her going blind.
Alice, a 14-year-old Labrador Retriever cross, had a four-hour procedure to remove ulcers on her eyes.
Owner Michelle Earl, 52, took in Alice after her career as a guide dog came to an end five years ago following her previous owner's death.
Michelle, a nanny, from Sevenoaks, Kent, said: "She was just amazing at what she did as a guide dog.
"We took her to see an eye specialist last week and he thinks she's had a problem since birth.
"She's always had cloudy blue eyes but more recently she's had ulcers in both eyes and they haven't cleared up and unless she had this operation she'd be totally blind.
"The consultant said he's never seen a lab as fit and healthy as Alice apart from her eyes."
Alice has had problems with her eyes since birth but they have deteriorated in recent years.
"In the end she wasn't a rubbish guide dog but because of her sight she wasn't quite up to it she didn't quite hit the grade anymore," said Michelle.
The operation took place at Medivet in Sidcup on Friday (03/05), and Alice will need her eyes bandaged for four or five weeks while she heals.
Michelle added: "Prior to the op she was just really subdued and quite sad and not really wanting to do much.
"I don't think she could see very well but because she was used to her surroundings it made it easier.
"She'll get the majority of her eyesight back after a few weeks.
"Hopefully she'll be okay, we'll be making sure she has someone with her at all times."
You can support Alice's recovery here: https://gofund.me/a56852bf
Alice, a 14-year-old Labrador Retriever cross, had a four-hour procedure to remove ulcers on her eyes.
Owner Michelle Earl, 52, took in Alice after her career as a guide dog came to an end five years ago following her previous owner's death.
Michelle, a nanny, from Sevenoaks, Kent, said: "She was just amazing at what she did as a guide dog.
"We took her to see an eye specialist last week and he thinks she's had a problem since birth.
"She's always had cloudy blue eyes but more recently she's had ulcers in both eyes and they haven't cleared up and unless she had this operation she'd be totally blind.
"The consultant said he's never seen a lab as fit and healthy as Alice apart from her eyes."
Alice has had problems with her eyes since birth but they have deteriorated in recent years.
"In the end she wasn't a rubbish guide dog but because of her sight she wasn't quite up to it she didn't quite hit the grade anymore," said Michelle.
The operation took place at Medivet in Sidcup on Friday (03/05), and Alice will need her eyes bandaged for four or five weeks while she heals.
Michelle added: "Prior to the op she was just really subdued and quite sad and not really wanting to do much.
"I don't think she could see very well but because she was used to her surroundings it made it easier.
"She'll get the majority of her eyesight back after a few weeks.
"Hopefully she'll be okay, we'll be making sure she has someone with her at all times."
You can support Alice's recovery here: https://gofund.me/a56852bf