Hi everybody – thank you once again for all your wonderful comments and messages. We really, really feel so honoured and touched that so many people, from all across the world, care so much about Honey – and about us. Please forgive me if I am not able to respond to your messages individually but please know that we really appreciate each & every one of them.
Honey is home now and seems happy & comfortable. I have to admit that we had a nervous moment when we went to pick her up from the vet hospital – I guess I was being very silly but my over-active, writer’s imagination was conjuring up something like this! 
Not that we would have loved her any less, of course, nor – as you all said – would she have been any less “beautiful” on the inside. But anyway, to our great delight and surprise, she actually looked remarkably normal and walked out next to the opthalmologist, pretty much her old self, wagging her tail.
Her left eye does look different but nowhere near the horrible, shrivelled mess that I had been imagining! The veterinary opthalomologist says that the “toxin” takes a few weeks to work fully – so her eye may still change yet – we won’t know the final appearance for a while – but still, it is already much better than I’d expected so fingers crossed…
Honey when she came home…
It is difficult to tell yet whether the procedure has been successful, because of the time it takes the toxin to work. The injection procedure (known as ‘chemical ablation of the ciliary body‘) basically tries to kill off the cells that produce the fluid in the eyeball.
It’s a bit like a sink where the plughole is blocked and so can’t drain the water away but the taps are open continously. But in the case of the eyeball, there is nowhere for the fluid to go when it overflows – so it presses against the outer walls, thus causing the pressure and the pain. So in effect, we’re trying to turn off the taps completely so that new fluid won’t keep filling the eyeball.
But since the toxin works slowly and they don’t know if they got the exact dosage right, we won’t know for a while if it has killed off the cells enough to stop the flow (hopefully!) – or not killed them off enough, so that they’re still producing fluid – or even whether it has overdone it and shrivels up the eye altogether…
At the moment, the pressure in her left eye is still intermittently high – in fact, we had a bit of a scare a short while after she got back when she started squinting oddly in the left eye again – she was obviously having a pressure spike again. It was disappointing as we had thought that once we brought her home from the procedure, the pressure would be stable – but then we spoke to the opthalmologist who explained that the toxin can take time to work – and that it is normal to have these spikes continue for a while, until hopefully the effects of the toxin kick in.
So we are now putting the drugs in her eyes 3 times a day as a short-term measure, in an effort to control the pressure, but the hope is that in a week’s time, the toxin will have started to work to shut down the fluid production and so we can slowly reduce the drugs and maybe even stop them altogether, if the procedure has been successful.
But don’t worry – Honey doesn’t seem to be in any discomfort or pain. In fact, while we were panicking over her squinting and frantically calling the vet on the phone, she had happily taken herself off to bed and was soon snoring! 
The vet assured us that she wouldn’t be sleeping so peacefully if she was really in any pain – so as long as we can give some additional drops when she gets a pressure spike, we should be able to manage things until hopefully the injection takes effect.
There are some signs that the toxin has started to work already, in that her left eye has gone opaque. It also looks quite bloodshot and red at the moment, as the vet explained that there would be some inflammation from the injection going into the eyeball. But hopefully, that will pass. She is also on some oral antibiotics to prevent any infection developing from the injection wound.
Anyway, here are some pictures we got of her yesterday – we took her for a gentle, little walk around Pyrmont (where there tend not to be so many uncontrolled dogs on the loose running up to you, with irresponsible owners who aren’t watching! )- and you can see what I mean about her opaque left eye. But it doesn’t seem to bother her at all – and she wasn’t acting disorientated or hesitant as she walked around. In fact, she was moving around just like normal (which I guess tells us that she was probably mostly blind in the left eye before anyway) and when a stranger ran up on her blind side, wanting to pat her, she didn’t flinch or startle at all but turned towards the woman, wagging her tail…
Unlike the first time, when she had been quite “fragile” when she came back from hospital and took a few days to recover (probably because she was in so much pain for so long while we were messed around in the first emergency vet, waiting for a diagnosis), this time she seemed to bounce right back – trotting around, eagerly sniffing trees for peemail, scavenging around the barbecue areas for crumbs, stopping for a drink at her favourite water fountain, enjoying the sea breeze in her ears and generally, having a great time. It was lovely to see.
Thank you once again for all your good wishes, support & concern. I guess I was being a bit silly because Honey losing one eye isn’t really a huge deal in the scheme of things – it’s not life-threatening or anything – I think it was just hitting me harder than it would have because things have been so stressful and horrible lately – it just felt like one more thing crashing down on me.
But it’s been an encouraging result so far, I think, for this procedure, so hopefully things with her eyes will settle down soon – and maybe other things will slowly improve too.
~ Hsin-Yi
Hi Hsin-Yi, I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through such a hard time. I’m sending good vibes your way, and also for sweet Honey! Don’t feel a need to respond directly, you’re already doing well in these tough times by updating Honey’s blog. And of course if you feel a need to shut it down, those who care about you will understand. Same with not sharing everything – after all, you are more than entitled to keep some things private.
I totally understand how you feel about Honey losing her eye. Watching our pets suffer and go through the inevitable changes that come with aging is very hard. And people can say “it’s just a dog or a cat”, but they’re a big part of our lives and we have lots of love invested in our beloved friends, so even though society is a bit harsh on emotions poured out for them, the sorrow and grief we feel is no less real, and no less intense than other losses.
I’m glad to hear that Honey’s doing well, and that you’re feeling reassured about her. And I’m also glad to see your sense of humour is intact! That photo gave me quite a start as my attention was distracted right when I scrolled: I thought it was Honey for a second!!! LOL
Be well, and don’t forget to be good to yourself too! Hugs, Kim
Honey you still look good to us! I don’t think we would have even noticed about the change in your eye if Hsin-Yi didn’t write about it. We were so worried about you Honey. That picture that Hsin-Yi put of the human with the eye falling out of the socket really freaked us out. Hsin-Yi must watch too much scary shows on TV.
Thanks Hsin-Yi for the update! So glad to see Honey is responding well to the injection so far and that she’s mostly back to being herself. She’s such a strong girl, I can’t imagine much slowing her down.
Hopefully they got the injection amount right and everything goes smoothly from here on out! We’re keeping you all in our thoughts!
Big hugs to you all & giant Dane kisses from Darwin.
Take care of yourself Hsin-yi!
Glad to hear that Honey is home and feeling well. It isn’t silly to have a strong reaction to any illness our 4 legged family members have. You have every right to feel however you do and never need to apologize for it. I hope all goes well with Honey’s eye as the injection takes effect.
Cindy
Hsin-Yi, this has made us much happier. We’re so glad Honey is home and acting like her usual self. Blimey that first photo was an eye opener, hehe weak joke from me! We’ll keep you all in our thoughts and hope everything settles down to a nice hum drum life. Well that’s how I like it anyway. Take care, special hugs to Honey and Muesli. I suppose Muesli is wondering why Honey is getting so much attention. Have a relaxing day friends. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)
I think Honey’s ease with this transition has a lot to do with her confidence -both in herself and in you. All your work together has made her better able to cope with these challenges. Sending POTP!
I have just read your other post about your options with Honey. I am so glad to see this one that all went as well as can be expected. Honey you do look very relaxed so I think that is a good indication it has gone well. I hope for you all that it continues as well. Hang in there!
We understand your stress. Yes, things like this do make you dwell upon mortality and what ifs and all the things you have little control over. Trust me we’ve been there. Not with glaucoma, but with other issues. It’s very worrisome. Just because it wasn’t life threatening doesn’t make it any less serious for the humans because no one wants to see someone they love sick, uncomfortable or in pain and feeling. It’s very exhausting to try and figure out the best course of action for a patient that can not communicate with you as to their feelings and needs.
We forgot to tell you something very very important in our comment for your previous post…………….HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
Thank you for inspiring. We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you.
We’re so happy that you’re home, Honey! You still look just as beautiful as ever to us!
Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
happy to hear the news and everyone is ok.cant wait to see new pics of honey’s beautiful slobbering face.
love
bubba
Hi Honey,
it is such a relief to hear that both you and Hsin-Yi are alright after this traumatic experience. We hope that from now on things start brightening up a bit!
We send you all our love and hope to hear more good news coming your way very soon!
Indigo, Anais, Malach and Connor.
So good to know that Honey is okay and that she is fine and getting well.
Lots of love,
Mom and I
I remember when we had all the eye problems with Cisco, it seemed to be harder on me then it was on her. I remember at one point we were at the vet, and Cisco looked horrible with swollen eyes, and I was sobbing my eyes out and our vet grabbed my arm, gave me a shake, and said “These eyes aren’t going to kill your dog!”. It was the turning point I needed.
I am sending you hugs. If you need anything, please let me know.
Sam’s mom, Christine
That’s wonderful news! You sound like you are in much better spirits today. Honey looks great
Honey I am glad to hear you are feeling better and will continue to pray for continued positive results.
I cannot say how happy and relieved I am. Honey looks fabulous as always
So happy to hear that things are going well with the treatment -- especially that Honey is acting normal and not experiencing a lot of discomfort. Hoping for continued positive updates.
We are so glad to hear that Honey is home and seems to be relatively unaffected by her ordeal. Dogs are so resilient that way. They seem to take everything in stride and live in the moment. We humans can learn so much form them. We will continue to keep paws and fingers crossed for her to be in good health. You inspire so many of us around the world.
Oh what wonderful news! I am so glad that things seem to be going well, and I am sending lots of happy thoughts and prayers your way! Thank you so much for posting and letting us know what is going on--I have been so worried about Honey and her family, and it is so generous of you to keep us updated! Here’s hoping “things” start settling down and that Honey continues to have good results. Thank you!!
Aw, she is such a gorgeous girl! Welcome home Honey!
Glad your feeling better and your still a beauty.
I hope this procedure takes care of the problem. It sounds very encouraging. Honey looks as regal and beautiful as always.
You’re not overreacting -- it’s a big thing. I’m praying all will continue to go well. Thank goodness it’s going okay so far.
Hi Honey,
It’s nice to see you back ! I wasn’t that much on the web those days, so I discovered at the same time you previous post and this one. I’m really happy you seem to feel better ! I also hope that Hsin Yi can relax a little, it should have been so horrible for her.
Slobbers,
Glen
I’m happy she’s improving. Enough said.
Oh Honey I is sorry I wasn’t around to wish you well with your eye sickies but I am so glad you is ok now. Your are so special and your hoomans are so very lucky to have you! 9, wow, you make all us Danes proud. I knows you will continue to live a long healthy life.
woof -- Tucker
I am so glad that Honey is home and is comfortable. What a shame about her eye but thank heavens there was a not too drastic way to take care of it. I don’t blame you for being a bit freaked out at first, I know I would have been. Years ago we had a cat who not being a good tree climber ended up poking her eye on a branch, the eye had to be removed and very shortly afterwards none of us including the cat noticed it! I hope you both can still dance together, I love watching your videos.
Take care,
Lucy (Troy, Ohio)
Thank you for the update. I care about all 4 of you, and you have my best wishes.
Glad to know you are home Honey and feeling pretty good too
Sending the most positive thoughts your way that this injection works perfectly over the week’s waiting time.
Hugs and Wags to all of you,
The Roo Family
Honey….you’re looking good. Definitely a one-of-a-kind.
I’m going blind in both eyes from PRA and I hope I do as well as you.
PawHugs
Amber
I sure hope this procedure works! We’re keeping our fingers and paws crossed. Honey looks as beautiful as ever!
Hi Honey,
This is Daisy -- your Canadian blog pal -- who just came back from a dog show (talk about stressy!!). Anyway just wanted to tell you that every dog and their human we met knew about you and love you and send their very best for your recovery. It’s amazing how many doggies were barking about you, Honey. You are so loved even way up here is this freezing place! (Hey, do you know that there is this white stuff that falls from the sky and looks like a big white blanket all over the whole world? At first it felt very cold and funny on my feet but then I loved racing around in it… almost as good as that soft warm stuff that I ran around in when we went to the lake this summer. I now have a new winter coat to keep me warm. YES! Cosy, wosy!).
Bye for now, Honey.
Nibbles from
Daisy (and all of your Canadian pals)
Greetings from Minnesota.
So happy to hear that Honey seems to be confortable and acting like herself! I dont think you were over reacting, appearance changes can be just as hard as internal issues. You are so used to her and the way she is and even though beauty is only skin deep, and her personalality wont change, it’s still an adjustment for you. We will continue to pray for your family’s health and happiness. This too shall pass, can’t wait to hear more about your book progress!
April
Thanks for the update! Good to know Honey is back home! She is as pretty as ever.
Take care! Will keep my paws crossed for you.
Lady and Kat
I’m sorry to hear how rough things are going for you lately. I hope that it will get better soon. We all know (including Honey!) that you take exceptional care of Honey and she will no doubt be back to her adventures in no time. I expect no response to this, I mean it! Concentrate on your own stuff right now and not trying to make everyone else happy.
We’re also glad to learn Honey is doing so well. Hope this procedure does the trick and she doesn’t have any more pain. We’re keeping our paws crossed for her and for you, too.
Dear Honey,
hope that you’re feeling better and that the injection was efficient for your eye pressure. It really doesn’t seem that different, I can’t see any change, except the different color when Hsin-Yi took photo of you outside. Dear girl, take care, and enjoy on your walks, and hope this is the end of your health problems for a while.
Best wishes for you all,
Mina
Honey is resillient! Glad to hear that she’s taking it all in her stride. Hope her recovery goes well/ Take care.
The lovely girl is still lovely, and we are SO glad she’s feeling better.
Oh Hsin-Yi! I’ve been away a bit and was shocked to read your latest posts. I am SO glad that she seems to be doing well. dogs are so great at adapting, certainly much better than us humans.
It’s great to see Honey feeling good and doing well! Hurray!
Hey Honey & Hsin-Yi,
We haven’t gotten around to leaving comments on the sites of our blogfriends lately, over here too loads of things had been going on. But nonetheless you guys are in our thoughts and we hope that everything will turn out for the best!
Oh btw, Killian wants to let you all know that he thinks Honey’s still looking fantastic!
Big hug,
Karolien
& a slobbery kiss from Killian for Honey!
She’s still gorgeous as always.
You can barely even tell in the pictures that anything is different except where the sun was shining on it and causing the opaque-ness (not a real word I know). I’m keeping my fingers crossed it works and things return to normal soon. And yes, even though in the grand scheme of things it’s not the big of a deal, to you it is because you love her so much. Don’t feel bad about that. 
*that big of a deal…. need to start writing my comments separately and pasting them into the comment form lol.