A tragic incident involving a Florida medical assistant, Daniella Abreu, left her permanently blind in her right eye after her large dog, Blu, lunged for a rabbit during a walk. On August 7, 2023, while strolling through her Stuart neighborhood, Abreu used a frayed retractable leash to control her 60-pound husky.
When Blu spotted a rabbit and bolted, the leash’s handle struck Abreu in the face, causing significant injuries, including a split eyelid, a fracture under her eye, and a detached retina. The event, described by Abreu as traumatic, resulted in immediate and severe bleeding.
In the aftermath of the accident, Abreu experienced a surge of adrenaline, prompting her to rush home, where she collapsed into her mother’s arms. The shock of the injury left her parents frightened, especially as Abreu was losing a considerable amount of blood. She initially feared for her life, feeling overwhelmed by the severity of the situation.
This led her to faint due to the shock and pain, which she later described as a “10 out of 10.” Abreu was quickly transported to a trauma center in Fort Pierce, an hour away from her home, where she underwent X-rays and received emergency care for her injuries.
Despite doctors stitching her eyelid back together, Abreu faced further complications. Emergency surgery in Miami confirmed her worst fears: she was declared permanently blind in her right eye, with no chance of regaining her vision.
Florida Medical Assistant Loses Vision in Tragic Dog Leash Accident, Faces Long Recovery Journey
Over the following months, she endured four additional surgeries due to the extent of the damage, ultimately leading to the removal of her eye. The emotional and physical toll of the incident was significant; Abreu described her initial recovery period as one where she was largely bedridden, needing to come to terms with the changes in her life.
The impact of the accident extended beyond physical injuries, as Abreu began experiencing severe migraines, PTSD, and anxiety. Recognizing the need for support, she sought therapy to help navigate her emotional challenges.
Following her final surgery in June, she was fitted with a prosthetic eye, which will need to be replaced in three to five years. This adjustment posed additional challenges, as she had to relearn how to operate with just one eye, causing strain and discomfort during the process.
In response to the incident, Abreu’s neighbors initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her recovery, acknowledging the significant emotional and financial burden on her family. The campaign emphasized the hope that new medical advancements could one day restore her vision.
As Abreu continues her healing journey, she reflects on the drastic changes her life has taken, moving from an active lifestyle filled with dance and fitness to a situation where she has had to pause her life significantly.
