It makes sense to introduce the names critical to our story, so without further adieu...
Lynn - that's me! Biochemist/geneticist by training, now in sales and marketing. Doggie mama and nurturer extraordinaire
Sean - my partner of nearly 8 years, doggie papa, business owner, and pillar of strength and support
Reo - the star of the show!
Leigh - best supporting actress
Tula - the new dog on the block, our 7 year old Doberman Pinscher
Dr. C - our veterinary ophthalmologist
Caroline Levin, RN - author of "Living With Blind Dogs" and "Dogs, Diet, and Disease"; expert on SARDS and adrenal exhaustion, research authority for dogs with SARDS; consultant and pillar of support and encouragement. Learn more here:
http://www.petcarebooks.com/research.htm
Dr. Alfred Plechner, DVM (aka Dr. P) - a veterinarian for 50 years; discoverer of 'Plechner Syndrome', and an expert on adrenal exhaustion treatment in humans and animals (over 150,000 and counting!). Consultant and panic-reducer. Learn more here:
http://drplechner.com/home.php
Dr. N - our general practice veterinarian
Dr. O - our Reo-specific veterinarian we visit for Reo's treatment
Dr. Karen Lanz, DVM - our veterinary acupuncturist, owner of Healing Hands Pet Acupuncture. Third set of "vet" eyes, and perpetual sounding board for my ideas/theories
http://www.healinghandspet.com/
National Veterinary Diagnostic Services - the laboratory to which we send Reo's blood samples to be evaluated for endocrinology and immunology (EI-1 panel). Learn more here:
http://national-vet.com/
In March 2011, our Miniature Pinscher, Reo, suddenly went blind and was diagnosed with SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). We were given no hope for vision recovery, but through research, perseverance, love, tears, and a lot of luck, we brought our dog back from a serious illness, and restored some functional vision in about 5 months! This is our story, our journey...and we hope that by sharing our story, we can help other dogs diagnosed with SARDS!
BLOG DISCLAIMER
**DISCLAIMER** Please note: I am not a veterinarian, and the purpose of this blog is solely to educate, provide resources, and share Reo's story. In this blog, I will present research and information on the theories of SARDS to which I subscribe, along with my own narrative. If you think your dog may have SARDS, or adrenal exhaustion/Plechner Syndrome, please seek veterinary care right away!
If you are just beginning your SARDS education, I suggest you start with the blog post from August 22, 2011 entitled "SARDS Resources". If you'd like to know our trials, tribulations, and joys from the beginning, start with "But first...Reo!" and click chronologically on from there.
If you would like to read my suggestions as to how I would approach treatment for a newly-diagnosed dog, check the November 16, 2011 post "If I had another SARDS dog" (and then read my blog more fully for appropriate context).
Though we have decided to suspend Reo's retinal protection supplements in September 2012 (see September 16, 2012 post "Decision for Reo") due to the fact that she had very little remaining vision, I am still strongly supportive of our treatment approach, and know that it changed Reo's health and longevity in a positive way. Feel free to comment and ask me any questions - I am happy to help if I can!
Update: Reo became an angel on October 21, 2014. She had a profound kidney infection, causing acute kidney failure, and she was unable to recover. The contributing factors to her decline are covered in my February 16, 2015 blog post "Farewell to Reo".
Though I do not regularly update this blog any longer, much of the information is still relevant (though some of the links may be out of date). Feel free to join the conversation at "SARDS Dogs United" on Facebook.
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