S.A.R.D.S
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome
by Karen Hansen
Imagine waking up one morning suddenly and completely blind. This is what a dog with SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome) may experience. The onset of blindness takes place anywhere from just a few hours or days (very sudden onset) to a week or two. Some owners may notice a slow degradation in their pet’s vision, while others see the onset take place overnight. In the weeks leading up to blindness, the dog’s food and water consumption can increase drastically due to a possible increase in cortisol levels (stress hormones).
SARDS usually strikes a dog between the ages of 7 and 12, and affects a greater percentage of females than males (about 70%). While this disease does not discriminate between pure or mixed-breed dogs, it usually affects smaller breeds, such as Brittany Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers and Dachshunds. In an eye that has been affected, the visual layer (comprised of the rods and cones) is completely destroyed. No cause has yet been found, but it is assumed to be a non-genetic condition.
Unfortunately, parents of dogs with SARDS are frequently frustrated with the lack of knowledge on the correlation between SARDS and Canine Cushing’s Syndrome, the overproduction of adrenal hormone . It is regrettable that in this day, with medical advances making huge leaps, researchers still do not know what causes the relationship between SARDS and Cushing’s Syndrome. If your dog has SARDS, ask your doctor to test for Cushing’s as well. Treating Cushing’s will not restore vision, but can make your pet more comfortable.
If your dog shows symptoms of SARDS, general care practitioners will refer you to a specialized ophthalmologist for further testing. Sudden blindness should be identified early to determine the cause, because it could stem from other factors that need to be ruled out, such as a brain tumor, optic nerve inflammation or damage etc.
There is no cure or medication for SARDS, but this hardly means the end of a great relationship with your pet. The disease is painless, and while it will take some adjusting, the patient can lead a meaningful and happy life. Just as you would have trouble in the case of a sudden vision loss, so would your dog, and with a few minor adjustments, your pet will be able to ease into this new stage of his or her life. Here are some ideas of how to help your blind pet get comfortable without eyesight:
- Establish landmarks in your house for your pet that will never move, such as food and water dishes, and a pet bed. Your pet will use these as points of reference from now on. If the dog does get disoriented, bring her back to her food and water dish so she can place herself in her surroundings. You can also spray perfume on furniture legs so she can use one of her primary senses to help determine landmarks and avoid bumping into them.
- Your dog will begin to rely on other senses much more, such as hearing and smell, which are already quite acute for dogs. Make sure you never clip a bind pet’s whiskers, as these will be even more important now.
- Invest in a fence to keep your dog enclosed at all times. Never let him or her out without constant supervision, as a blind pet can get into all sorts of “unseen” troubles! Pools also present another danger.
- Be aware that stairs are very difficult for blind pets to descend.
- Noisemaking items can be very useful too: wind chimes by the door, bells around your ankle when going for a walk, and squeaky-toys.
- Blind pets function better in familiar surroundings: use a pet-sitter instead of kenneling them and take them on familiar walks.
- Leashes are extremely valuable! Consider a harness to provide more comfort and security than a collar around the neck, and try slipping a lightweight PVC pipe over the leash to make it a better guide.
- Be extra aware that older, senile, and/or deaf pets will have increased difficulty adjusting. Increased aggression and decreased activity are both observed in blind animals.
- Pay attention to a pet’s food needs, as obesity can result from a decreased activity level and should be avoided to prevent further related problems. Also, seek out foods that may help alleviate related symptoms.
SARDS is by no means the end of the world for your pet. You can continue to enjoy a meaningful relationship with just a few minor alterations. For more information, talk to your vet or check out your local library or bookstore for books and DVDs on living with a blind pet.
My Special Dog would like to extend a sincere thank you to the members of www.BlindDogs.com for their assistance in writing this article. Please visit their site if you require further information on this subject.