03/05/11 - We went and saw Dr. N for Reo's sudden loss of vision. Her exam revealed glaucoma negative (good), cataract negative (good), retina intact/healthy (good), and blood pressure normal (good). They took some of Reo's blood for a CBC (Complete Blood Count) and diabetes test. We had to wait over the weekend for the results!
03/07/11 - We got Reo's bloodwork back - most things were normal, except for a slightly elevated liver enzyme (GGT), and slightly elevated triglycerides. Because there wasn't anything obvious going on to explain Reo's vision loss, we were referred to an ophthalmologist.
03/11/11 - By the time Reo's appointment rolled around, we think she had absolutely no vision. Dr. C agreed that Reo's retinas looked intact/healthy, but she had no menace response, no dazzle reflex, and she would not follow a cotton ball dropped to the floor. When placed in the middle of the floor, Reo would not take a step, seemingly fearful of unfamiliar surroundings.
We decided to get an electroretinogram (ERG) taken. If we saw electrical activity, we might suspect something different going on, like a tumor, so we wanted to rule that out. Reo's ERG was flatline. Dr. C diagnosed SARDS, and told us Reo would never regain her vision. He briefly mentioned some revolutionary work at Iowa State by Dr. Grozdanic, using IVIg treatment, but that Reo wasn't a good candidate for this. Dr. C also gave us the name of Caroline Levin's book, "Living With Blind Dogs" to use as a resource, and mentioned that some SARDS dogs develop Cushing's disease, so we'd have to watch out for that. But, for the most part, Reo should live a happy, healthy life once adjusted to her blindness.
We were completely devastated! I couldn't stop thinking about all of the things Reo loved doing that now seemed impossible. Knowing absolutely nothing about SARDS, and having far too many questions, I spent the entire weekend researching this disease, reading everything I could online, and slowly putting puzzle pieces together. I felt at a slight advantage, having a scientific background, as it helped me understand a lot of the endocrinology I was reading. I know that most dog owners are not so lucky. Fortunately, many resources are written in plain English, to help anyone understand. My next post will share the resources which I found most helpful.
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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I just came across your story as I was trying to explain my SARDS dog to someone. Your story is almost IDENTICAL (so far) to our Mija. I can't wait to read and hear how things turned out for you.
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