[DodoBird27]

So my family has seen an ad for a 6 year old Great Dane that has been diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy and is slowly going blind. The family is moving out of their home and cannot keep this dog any longer. I know a lot about danes, but I was hoping I could get some advice about taking on a large dog that will loose its sight. Anything would be great, thanks!

[Todd]

I'm very glad to heat you're trying to help out with this dog! Good for you!

It is very, very manageable to live and provide a secure atmosphere for a blind dog. Many dogs (besides sighthounds I'd say) rely on other senses besides just vision. We all know that dogs have noses that are thousands of time stronger than human noses, so they uses this sense to their advantage. It may take a little while to get used to, but your dog will soon be able to maneuver just fine in your home. Just don't move furniture around much. He will almost have a visual image in his head of where things are located. I wouldn't keep him on a second floor though, unless you have a puppy/baby gate. You don't want him falling down the stairs. Otherwise, everything should be just fine! Remember though, just because he's blind doesn't mean he shouldn't be able to enjoy the joys of life like any other dog. He can still be taken on walks in the park. He will much enjoy himself with the benefits of physical exercise as well as encountering an abundance of new smells! Make sure to watch out for cataracts though. If these form they could be painful and the eye would need to be removed. In this disease, dogs generally do fine with adapting to their loss of vision because it happens gradually.

Here's a very helpful website I recently came across which is designed specifically for blind and deaf dogs and their owners. I recommend checking it out;

http://www.blindpets.com/

In the meantime, here is an article I found online about the specific illness your future dog has;

PRA in Dogs - Animal Eye Care

Although this disease currently has no cure, there is certainly something you can try which may or may not delay the progression of this disease;

There is an antioxidant / vitamin supplement, Ocuvite, the MAY have beneficial effects on retinal cell health and slow or alter progression of retinal atrophy, though there are no studies demonstrating its efficacy in dogs, and it has only rarely been shown to have efficacy against a different type of retinal disease in humans (macular degeneration). Its administration is unlikely to harm dogs, and may help.

Hope I was of some help. Good luck.

[DodoBird27]

Thanks! I'll take a look at the links.
We don't have a second floor, but we do have a second dog. Medium sized mutt. He's pretty laid back most of the time though.
Thanks for the help. Me and my dad really want this dog (I'm only 15 xD) but we are trying to convince my mom right now.

[Yogi]

I have had many dogs that have come to me blind or have gone blind through rescue. Don't under estimate their ability to acclimate themselves quite well. Allowing them time to navigate in new surroundings so they no where their bed is, the water bowl is etc. though can take a little time, with patience they learn it and can adapt very well.
Keeping furniture in the same place is a must and a given due to their circumstances. Learning the way to the door to the yard is something that many have no problems with so long as you continue to talk to them. Their other senses will become heightened to compensate so hearing is better and they will use this to help navigate. In the yard, they will generally track their way back using their sense of smell to follow their track into the yard.
You may see the other dog actually help. Dogs that are generally laid back are somewhat nurturing by nature. You may find that the existing dog will actually do things to help the new dog that might surprise you.
Good luck...
I know I would not trade any of the blind ones I have had over the years for anything.

[Lara's mom]

I posted something on this subject recently called, "To the person who messaged me about blindness in dogs." You can look it up if you wish although, I think the advice you've been given is excellent.

[dogsclothesplus]

I had a shepard named Sheba who was about 10 yrs old when she suddenly went blind. SHe was diagnosed with SARDS. Anyway, it was easier than I thought to get her used to her environment in a new way. I just wanted to give you my personal experience. We had 5 other dogs at the timet this happened.
The first thing we did was to reorient her to the surroundings, as anyone knows it is totally different than when your eyes are open. Also do not move any furniture before they get use to their areas. We walked her around everything and let her bump into things too so she learned the area in a couple of different ways. Keep your voice calm, even if they trip or bump into something, your stress will become their stress.
When you call them make sure it is a clear path to you at first, as they will try to move faster than they should. They will begin to take their time and sniff you out.

It was one of the most rewarding times to help her through this stage of her life. I wish you luck and am happy you are making this decision. It takes time for the adjustment, just be patient.