Arizona Pug Adoption And Rescue Network

Jackson

Memphis

Jackson and Memphis
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This pair of beautiful 4 year old brothers came to us from the Humane Society. Both have dry eye, and will need daily eye drops for the rest of their lives. Although they are brothers, they are pretty different personality wise. Memphis is a little more timid , and doesn't see as well as his brother. Jackson is more outgoing, Both boys went to Eye Care for Animals on 4/2, and were diagnosed with KCS - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (basically, changes to the eye which result from lack of tear production). If you haven't had a pug that has gone through this, here's what happens:

"Keratoconjunctivitis sicca allows a breakdown in the corneal tear film and results in patchy, dry areas across the corneal surface or, in more advanced cases, widespread and severe corneal drying. The dried cornea, deprived of oxygen and nutrients through the tear film, rapidly undergoes destructive changes. This can result in brown pigmentation, scarring, ulceration, and vessel growth across the surface of a normally clear window of the eye."

In addition, both have eyelids growing inward, causing their eyelashes to scratch the eyes. Bottom line, both have such awful build up of brown pigmentation on their eyes, their vision is extremely limited. Memphis is the worse. They are probably very bonded because neither can see very much at all.

The doctor put them on two different meds as well as artificial tears several times a day. We are hoping the meds can reduce the scarring a little bit at least, but both boys would benefit from Tarsorrhaphy surgery. Tarsorrhaphy is where they stitch the corners of the eyelid opening to make it more narrow, to reduce exposure to air and increase lubrication of the eye. As you might expect, this surgery does not come cheap. The cost estimate is just about $2,000 per pug, and there are no guarantees as to the effectiviness. It may not do a lot in restoring vision, but at least it would help provide lubrication of the eyes which would help them feel better.

If you would like to help Memphis and Jackson, please consider making a donation. Also, our Spring Bling Raffle is another way we are raising money to help pay for vet bills.

The adoption fee for Memphis and Jackson is $500.

Unable to foster, but want to help APARN care for homeless pugs? Become a Virtual Foster by making a donation. Click here to return.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not adopt dogs outside of the state of Arizona.