I just got an 8 week old Shih Tzu puppy for my 11 year old daughter. I think the dog is blind. She keeps running into walls, going in circles, will not look at you, will look around all the time. Goes right into food bowl whole body. Took her to vet and vet on just general exam said she is blind did not know to what extent. I called breeder they came and got dog ( gave me back money) and said they would take to vet. That was Friday still have not taken puppy to vet and I stated I did want the dog rather than put her down.

Does anyone know before I spend hundreds that some blindness can be temporary or cured. Do Shih Tzu's have eye issues?, will sight come later? She keeps pawing at her eyes too! I want the little critter back she was so sweet and my duaghter is heart broken. HELP

Eye issues are BIG with this breed. Did you get copies of the parents CERF certs showing they had no eye diseases or problems?

Sight most likely will not come later unless it is a medical problem that can be cured. It is not like when they are young puppies and they are born with their eyes closed. Once they are 2 weeks old they can see or not, baring any treatable medical problem. I would take the puppy to a canine eye specialist and have them do a full exam. Also talk to the breeder more, does this run in the line, do they have any experience with this, how are the litter mates eyes? Did they CERF the puppies before sending them to their new homes?

Who has the dog now... you or the breeder? Are they willing to give you a replacement puppy from their next litter?


Over the year I have had blind dogs as clients and they can live normal lives with a little extra care.

please keep me posted with how thigns go and give me more details.

[wishbone]

So poor puppy, when and how did you get him, didn't you have chance to know his condition before getting him? Maybe there are illness that makes him blind in just recent time, if you could find more expert vet for his eyes. Please keep us updated.

Got the puppy Tuesday evening, noticed Tuesday night puppy not right. Breeder has the pup and did return my money. She stated she wanted to take to specialists as well as her mom and dad. She has not taken either to vet to be checked. I have since found out another dog was returned due to double hernia? So wonder if there is some in breeding going on.

Any one have any knowledge of reputable breeder of Shih Tzu in northen Foothills North Carolina area code 336 Winston-Salem area I would appreciate. Do not trust this breeder as she gave the first shots herself. The vet papers indicated healthy pup and had the shot records but, in the fine print it indicated vet did not check, eyes, ears, coat, etc., etc., so how then can the vet determine healthy puppy.

I continue my search for a new puppy for my daughter. Anyone with any tips and purchase information for me would be greatly appreciated.

What is a cerification? What should I be asking for and looking at in a new puppy?

[Lara's mom]

I'm so sorry that this happened to you. You must be just devastated! Do I understand from your post that you aren't going to take the puppy back? It also has to be really hard on your little girl. I'm sure that there are people on this forum who can give you excellent information as to where to get a quality puppy in the U.S.A. I live in Canada so, I have no idea...We have a yearly magazine called, "Dogs in Canada" (I think). It lists reputable breeders in every province. I'd be willing to bet there is an American version. Take a look for it.

I hope everything works out for you. Just as a side note, I have had blind dogs and they have lived very full and happy lives. Mine were all quite old but, being blind from birth could work in this pup's favour since he doesn't have to make that huge adjustment from being a seeing dog to a blind one.

I certainly wouldn't expect the breeder to ask for any money in this case. Should you decide to take the puppy knowing he is blind, she should refund your money and be happy that someone is willing to adopt a special needs dog. Do not let yourself get screwed out of one thin dime. For the breeder, the only option would be to euthanize the puppy. If you decide to take the pup knowing it is blind, the breeder should give it to you and be thankful that someone is willing to take a puppy with such a serious problem.

Please though, if you decide to take this dog, have it spayed/neutered a.s.a.p.

You have some really hard decisions to make. I wish you well, whatever you decide. Please keep us updated.

hi Diane, I'm sorry that this happened

Any updates?

[Yogi]

a common but often overlooked cause which this pup is exhibiting is spinal fluid trapped on the brain. The skull closed too soon. I have see this before. In many cases the vet can insert a small syringe and remove the fluid taking the pressure off and this many times will bring the site back as it is pressure against the optical nerve.