elderly bichon

Question
I have a very eldery bichon  who is  blind in one eye and lost most of her vision in the other due  to glaucoma  (she takes glaucoma drops)
.Lately she has begun flinching strongly when we walk her outside in the light - kind of  rears back, as if  she's startled or something's going to hit her--any idea what causes this or how it could be helped?


We want to give her ginger to help with nausea and can't find the right milligram dosage. My human  dose is 1000 mg and seems very high - she's 15 pounds.
Thank you very much

Answer
Hi Lynn
I am sure that due to her glaucoma she will have problems with peripheral vision, glaucoma affects how not just dogs but we too see the world about us. It is hardly surprising that she flinches as in effect until she sees the object come into her restricted field of vision she will be  absolutely unaware of it thus causing her to jump back or become startled.
I would have her on a short lead or harness may be better and walk her close to your side. Always be praising of her when she walks outside but maintain a short lead, this will allow her to regain some confidence. Most dogs do well once blind as their other senses kick in but for a while she will need some TLC until she establishes this.I would start using bach flower remedies to calm her,  http://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Remedy-Pet-10-Liquid/dp/B001FUNBC8%3FSubscriptionId   -
will help her . This should also be used for her nausea. but in effect at her weight you can simply give her a ginger biscuit per day before her first meal.
\please keep me updated.
I would also advise that she can take some salmon oil to help her brain maintain its functionality.Hopefully prevent dementia
Good luck
Kaza