We have good news and bad news with Asa’s journey with Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU). The good news is the steroid eyedrops are doing their job to keep the disease from progressing in his eyes. The bad news is the steroid eyedrops are not intended for longterm use, and Asa is now starting to experience the side effect of being on them since 2020.

As Dr. Nick explained, he saw signs of corneal haze that can be responsible for reduced vision if they progress. So now we must begin a delicate balancing act with Asa of treating the GRPU, while preventing damage from that treatment. Therefore Asa will replace the steroid with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops. He went on the explain the the new drops are a good treatment, but they may not be the best treatment at keeping Asa’s iris cysts under control, when considering the success we’ve had with the steroid drops. However, the new drops will prevent the cloudiness in his eyes from progressing. Because we don’t want to exchange one problem for another! He’ll also continue using a second type of eyedrops at night, which dilate them to help prevent the cysts from sticking and developing into glaucoma.

Asa will return for a followup in a few months, and Dr. Nick will adjust his medications as necessary. In the meantime, we’ll continue to monitor Asa for any changes in his eyes including redness, cloudiness, squinting, and excessive rubbing. As for Asa, he continues to be his happy-go-lucky self, and has not given us any indication that he is experiencing any trouble seeing. Here’s hoping we can keep it that way!