I am posting in an attempt to get information for a friend. He has a two year old Border Collie/Aussie mix named Riker. A few of Riker's litter mates have vision issues and a Vitamin B deficiency (possibly related). Riker has poor vision and it appears to have caused some behavior problems. He is very edgy and reacts strongly whenever someone comes to the house. He will charge the door and bark until he gets close enough to recognize the person's scent. He even does this to people who he comes in contact with all the time. It seems that if his vision would improve his nerves would improve also.

That's a long intro to ask this. Does anyone have any experience with Vitamin B deficiency? How does it effect or cause vision problems? The vet suggested Vitamin B injections, (but in my experience this vet is more into making money than anything else) can anyone suggest any treatments that may help with these vision problems (long term or short) and/or a training regiment that will help with the nervousness barking and charging.

I may have not included all the pertinent info so please ask me if I left something out. I'm only on the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowledge and experience with dogs. (I'm a big fan of the site but haven't gotten the chance to put any of the knowledge into service as I am still waiting on my own puppy. I'll post an intro in the Bio section in a few weeks when he gets here)

Has the dog been seen by an eye specialist?

Did blood work confirm a vitamin deficiency?

What type of vision loss is suspected?



Is the dog crated before visitors come?

I've worked with blind dogs before, one who was born blind (actually, all I did was dog-sit him while his owner was hospitalized) and two who were losing vision.

But there isn't enough info here.

Number one is the eye specialist, and while waiting for that, number two is not subjecting the dog to what he may be perceiving as mystery intruders at the door. The owner should be answering the door and then slowly and gradually introducing the dog and visitor (re-intro, intro, whatever).

The dog hasn't seen an eye specialist (didn't even know there was such a thing) I will suggest this and look for one in the area.

He has not had any bloodwork since Riker was a puppy and could not recall any specifics from that time.

It appears that Riker can see things close up but has blurred vision further out.

I will try to get more info and re-post. Maybe after a visit to a vet eye specialist and some more bloodwork. As far as crating, I can tell you that I won't win that battle. Also friends and family come and go at his house without knocking which inhibits his ablility to catch Riker before he accosts guests. (barring use of a crate of course)

He has not been crating the dogs lately although I have suggested it. Unfortunately the family feels it is their right to barge in unannounced so as you said he needs to crate...or maybe tether. He works alot and does not like to crate when he is home because he feels the dogs need to be "out", I also do not think that he percieves the behavior as a big problem. He seems to be more concerned with the health issues(vision).

To quote the movie Cool Hand Luke, "some people you just can't reach"

Also (Cool Hand Luke), "What we have here is a failure to communicate."

How can a vet be recommending vitamin injections without blood work to determine that there's a deficiency?

Also, I'd try to get it across that this is not good for the dog's mental well-being, if he perceives that strangers are wandering in and out all day and he is the only one aware of or responsible for the situation. Poor dog. I would lock the darned door.

Please get more info. Also, if you need help finding eye specialists in the area, let me know.

Unless there is a lot more that you/we do not know about tests performed, etc., then my opinion of a vet recommending vitamin injections without blood work first is very very low. JMO (BTW, is it B12 he's recommending?)


P.S. This is not a dog on a vegetarian diet, right?

Edited by Connie Sutherland (07/07/2009 05:37 PM)
Edit reason: ps

Like I said, Not a big fan of the vet he's using (and I wasn't there so I don't know the whole converstaion). I will look for a eye vet but if you (or anyone) could suggest someone who's good and somewhat local I would appreciate it.

Also if anyone could suggest a good vet. What is it? Holistic Vet, Homeopathic Vet whatever it is

I like the idea of locking the door. I will pass it on and hopefully we can clear up the issue and create a happy healthy enviroment for this dog. I know my friend wants what is best for Riker so we'll see how it works out.

The diet is another issue. He's on a kibble diet. I've suggested raw and he seems a little interested but he hasn't made the jump. I'm trying to get him to at least switch to Honest Kitchen or some other natural food.

THK with RMBs is a perfect "bridge" and even a great permanent diet!


If you can find out what tests were done, much more help can be forthcoming.

I'd want an eye specialist, personally.

I would like to second Connie's suggestion regarding consulting a veterinary opthamologist. My dog has been seeing one for several years and it has been very helpful. My dog's vision is fine because she has been receiving treatment. Some other dogs that I know of (with the same condition but no treatment) have lost vision to varying degrees. The one that treats my dog also makes sure that the owner understands the changes that may be needed in the dog's life due to reduced vision. The owner may take this kind of information more seriously when given by a medical authority. Most vets should be able to refer the dog to a specialist. And if you are close to one, veterinary schools also have the various specialists.

I've already passed on the information and I found three Eye Vets within about a half hour drive. We will see. Unfortunately the story of my life, you can tell someone what they need to do but its up to them to do it.