Tito's Story
Tito, a 3-year-old pup, was found stray and taken to Animal Services in Howard County, Maryland. He was in very poor condition, covered in urine and full of fleas and ticks. Upon further examination, he was diagnosed with a slow heartbeat and juvenile cataracts in both eyes.
The shelter reached out to the area rescues, but no one could take Tito. Because we have a policy of helping any dog with no other options, we brought him into our program. So far, he has had a full veterinary exam and treated for skin infections caused by flea infestation. He also had an echocardiogram conducted by a vet cardiologist. Fortunately, the issue with his heart rate was determined to be associated with his cataracts. Removal will alleviate the stress on his heart and restore his sight. Tito has seen an ophthalmologist and is scheduled for testing prior to scheduling cataract removal. Ideally, we would like to remove both cataracts, but the cost for just one exceeds what we are capable of financing through MASTER. We are reaching out to our supporters to raise the necessary funds to perform cataract surgery for Tito. If you can find it in your heart to contribute to his care, you will be giving an otherwise young and healthy dog the chance he deserves for a great future. |
The image above shows the condition Tito arrived in. Below is after a vet visit, a haircut, and bath!
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Hopefully, through the fundraiser, we can raise enough to get both cataracts removed! Please check back in on Tito's story through this page! Also, feel free to follow us on TikTok and Instagram at @masterscottierescue to see the other pups in our care and follow their stories — from rescue, through recovery, to their forever homes!
What are juvenile hereditary cataracts?Juvenile hereditary cataracts occur when a mutation in the HSF4 gene causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy at a young age. Unlike age-related cataracts, these form in puppies and young dogs, often before their first birthday.
Because the mutation is autosomal recessive, both parents must pass down the faulty gene for the condition to appear. Breeds commonly affected include Boston Terriers, Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels (Bioguard Labs). For dogs like Tito, cataracts don’t just mean poor vision—they cause hesitation, confusion, and in his case, even heart strain. His cardiologist determined that the stress of impaired vision was affecting his overall health. |
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The Road to Recovery
The best treatment for Tito is cataract surgery, a procedure that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one, restoring his sight. The success rate is high, but the cost is significant--$2,700 to $4,000 per eye (Insuranceopedia).
Tito's Recovery
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While the surgery was a success, Tito’s recovery requires dedication and ongoing care. Right now, Tito:
This miracle wouldn’t have been possible without the support of people like you. Your donations, shares, and encouragement gave Tito the chance to not only see again but to live a fuller, healthier life. Every tail wag, every playful leap, and every cuddle Tito now enjoys is because of the love and generosity of our community. ✨ From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping Tito see the world again. ✨ If you’d like to continue supporting medical rescues like Tito, please consider donating. Together, we can give even more dogs the second chances they deserve. |
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Tito is a happy, lovable pup who lives for running, jumping, and being by your side—then curling up for snuggles after a long day of trying to eat everything in sight! Sadly, his limited vision often holds him back, making him hesitant to fully enjoy life. With your help, Tito can have the freedom and confidence he deserves. Your donation could give him a brand-new “leash” on life!