Swindon vets saved the sight of a diabetic Husky who almost went blind.

Eight-year-old Tinx’s eye issues started when she developed diabetes mellitus which caused diabetic cataracts to form, and led to her tripping over and bumping into things more often.

If left untreated, her cataracts would have become inoperable and left her permanently blind.

Luckily, surgeons at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals managed to identify the condition just in time and carry out a life-changing operation just before Christmas.

Swindon Advertiser: Swindon vets saved the sight of eight-year-old Husky Tinx

Since undergoing the successful procedure, she is in good health, running around the garden without any problems and enjoying trips to the beach with her family.

Katherine Manchip, European specialist in veterinary ophthalmology, led Tinx’s surgery.

She said: “Tinx’s vision was severely impaired by her diabetic cataracts.

"Up to 80 per cent of dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus will develop these cataracts.

“If left untreated, these cataracts can cause inflammation within the eye and lead to glaucoma, which is blinding and painful.

“If left too long then it’s impossible to operate on the eyes, leading to a permanent loss of eyesight.

“It’s fantastic that Tinx is back to her energetic self and making the most of her restored vision, possibly with the prospect of seeing some snow at this time of year, which I’m sure she would make the most of.”

Tinx’s grateful owner, Heather Sams from Wokingham, added: “I was naturally upset and concerned my dog was going blind, especially as Tinx’s sight then quickly deteriorated.

“Little did I know how quickly the cataracts formed and surgery was the only way forward.

“Katherine was extremely reassuring and I agreed to go ahead as soon as possible to give Tinx the best possible chance.

“Now the cataracts have been successfully removed, Tinx is a completely different dog, enjoying the gift of sight again, being able to see a ball and no longer tripping up curbs.

“For me, this is a complete miracle to have my friend back to normal. I’d like to give a special thanks to Katherine and Fiona Strange, who also treated Tinx.”

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a condition which occurs when the body can not use glucose normally, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

It is more common in older pets, but can also occur in younger or pregnant pets.