Eye operation for Rocket

I am writing this on behalf of my eighteen month old dog. He is a miniature Schnauzer. He is my assistance dog and have trained him from the beginning to be able to go everywhere with me and family members. He makes others feel safe and often brings a smile. He is an amazing boy who needs an urgent operation. Can you help please?

Rocket was born with a condition called Microphthalmia in his right eye, which means that the eye has not developed properly, it has not grown and is still puppy size. This means he is blind in the right eye; at best he may see shadows. Because he was born with this it has not phased him and does everything that any other dog does, explores, is cheeky, loving and playful.

The breeder was amazing, all health checks were done including eye checks. They were commended for everything they did to ensure he thrived and for making sure he had a fighting chance at a having a full life. It is so sad to hear that when a pup is born like this, often they are put down by some as considered defective.

It was so heartbreaking to hear that people viewing were rejecting him or being negative about him and saying he was damaged or deformed. That it really resonated with me, touched my heart and to be honest I developed a soft spot for him from the minute I saw him. I decided I would give him a home because he deserved that and to be loved properly and that way he would remain within the family always, and he would get the chance to have doggy play days with his doggy mummy, just so wonderful to watch the connection and how they play. To say there was just something special about him from the beginning is an understatement. He was the smallest of the litter and despite all the obstacles he surpassed all his milestones before his siblings and is now not the smallest of his siblings but the second smallest, he is just right.

I do have to make sure to check his eyes daily and that the surrounding area is always clean. The advice I was given and the breeder was given is that there is no reason why this would stop him leading good and healthy life, all I had to do was regularly check him and ensure he had is regular vet checks. We were advised that the worst scenario would be that the condition would deteriorate, and he would need an operation to have the eye removed. I had to wait for his next scheduled check-up at 17mths with specialist vet dealing with eye conditions and who has seen him before a final assessment or decision could be made.

On Friday 4th October 2024 I took him to see the same specialist vet that firs saw him as a put. Was very honest with me saying that when he first saw him it was too early to say how bad the Microphthalmia would be and would only be able to tell more how his eye was developing as Rocket grew. It was clear that it was not good news, the Microphthalmia is severe, and the eye has not grown at all, it is puppy size and no doubt would be giving him some discomfort as there is too much of a gap between the eye and the eyelids, a bit of a void which would be a potential for infections.

The best option for Rocket would be to remove the eye etc and sew up the eye opening. He would be much happier, more comfortable and I would not need to clean it like I do to make sure area is clean and keep an eye on the condition.

My boy has always been insured and unfortunately because pet insurers class this as a pre-existing condition even though it is a birth defect and not something he developed afterwards will not cover the cost.

Both myself and breeder at the time were told that the cost for this operation over a year ago should not be than £400. Unfortunately, prices have inflated and the cost is estimated around £1800. I did of course do the right thing and had a second opinion, which also came around the £1800 figure.

I am asking for help to raise £2200 to cover any after treatment and for medication he might need to recover.

I will donate to Mad About Schnauzer UK what I do not use for Rocket.

Please can you find it in your heart to donate however small so that my boy can have this operation quickly, they want to do it in the next few weeks they wanted to do it this week and I had to explain that I have to try and raise the funds as my insurance will not cover it. The sooner he has the operation the sooner he can be free of discomfort.

I am very grateful to whatever anyone can give not just for my boy to have an operation that will help him so much.

Thank you all from my heart, this has been so difficult for me to reach out.