Hi everyone, I am new to this site and really need advice. We have a male labrador who is 3 years 2 months old. He had an operation to remove cataracts at 15 months old just after our son was born (he was 3 weeks old at the time). Ever since then we have noticed real changes in his behaviour in relation to aggression towards strangers/visitors to our home. We have had him at training classes and a trainer out to our home. I walk him with a muzzle after he gave someone a real fright. He barks when people come to our home and wevput him behind a stairgate in the kitchen so he can see whats going on. We thought we had control of the situation (although I say this I feel likd we have barely been getting by). At the weekend though things escalated. We had friends staying (they have stayed before) and everything was going fine, the dog was accepting treats from my friends son and generally wasnt bothered by him. On sunday however i was in the kitchen doing dishes and Miller was with me. The kids were at the other side of the gate. I turned round as I heard him growl so I went over and my friends son was putting his hand toward Miller really slowly and he just snapped. Thankfully no harm was done but I have been so upset ever since. I really try and keep him away from people but i feel he is worse when people approach him slowly. I have got an appt with a behaviourist in Dec (the quickest I could) but I really feel so sad and at breaking point. Can anyone relate to this/help? Many thanks
Re: Really need advice Have you been back to the vet to make sure his vision is still ok? - I think there can be issues with cataract surgery after a few years - I think sometimes there can be changes in the lens - not 100% sure. And sometimes people at risk of early cataract can also have other associated eye problems. Definitely worth getting this checked out if you haven't already. Certainly the way you are describing it, could be a reaction to poor eyesight Fingers crossed. jac
Re: Really need advice Thank you for your reply Jac, this has all certainly started since his operation but he had the all clear after the months of drops etc. We are not entirely sure what he can/can't see but I don't think there have been any changes since he has had the operation. I should have also said that if we are out walking he will start trying to pull me towards people so he can see them coming and on the very occassional time we let him come to the door if someone comes he knows he will go mad barking but doesn't hang back like he's afraid if that makes sense?
Re: Really need advice I assume the op was done by an ophthalmic vet - I would guess its not a normal vet procedure. I think sometimes cataract is more common with other medical conditions like diabetes and other inflammatory problems so I would definitely suggest getting some further checks - some blood and urine tests might be necessary, but I definitely wouldn;t ignore it. Hope it gets sorted out for you, especially with wee ones in the house. jac
Re: Really need advice How very worrying and upsetting for you... We had a case on here recently about an older dog suddenly showing aggression. Turned out he had a medical condition, and with meds went back to his normal sweet self... Would definitely speak to your vet. Hoping this sorts itself out.
Re: Really need advice Thank you Karen, it's really upsetting, struggling to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Re: Really need advice Really hope you find a resolution It's just a thought but if the vet/surgeon says everything is ok would it be worth consulting a behaviourist to see if you can help your boy adjust to his new situation some way? I've never used a behaviourist myself but I understand some vets do a kind of referral or recommendation so it may be worth asking your vet if it's a course of action they think might be appropriate.... All the very best
Re: Really need advice This is very upsetting, I am sure. Reading between the lines it sounds like it's something you've been struggling with for awhile? It does sound sight-related, I would echo everyone else and get him checked again at the vet. Let us know how it goes.
Re: Really need advice Thank you everyone, we are seeing a behaviourist on 20 Dec, so fingers crossed she can help us. Has anyone used a behaviourist in the past and had a good positive outcome? I really would like these issues resolved
Re: Really need advice Sorry Lisa, yeh it's been going on for a while, it seems to be getting worse and I have lost a lot of confidence. I know it won't be a quick fix even with the behaviourist on board but I really hope its something we can change.
Re: Really need advice Here is the link to the thread I mentioned: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/forums/index.php/topic,2345.0.html Hope that is of some help. I would really go back to the vet and get his eyes checked again.
Re: Really need advice Really sorry to hear this. It is concerning when your dog's behaviour changes so suddenly but it definitely sounds as though it is linked to his cataract operation and anxiety perhaps due to his lack of good sight then that has perhaps made him anxious still even though the problem has been sorted. I'd agree with everyone else and get a specialist to check him out. Given the incident you describe with the young person it definitely sounds like there us still something not right with his sight or an aspect if it. Keep us all posted and hope he gets it sorted out soon and back to his loving self.
