02/13/12 - It can be ugly out there. Not only are most vets novices when it comes to SARDS, diagnosis and treatment options, but other folks have their own opinions and aren't always open to new ideas, especially if those ideas might contradict what they believe. Welcome to the world we live in, right? :)
I was a member of the SARDS dogs Yahoo group, recommended in my "resources" post for nearly a year. Since Reo regained her sight and her health, I have been very active in sharing our story, and also making suggestions to new members, who are new to SARDS and don't know where to start. Apparently, some were not receptive to hearing more about adrenal exhaustion/Plechner Syndrome, did not want to hear my suggestions, and did not appreciate my sharing Reo's successes. Evidently, people were complaining to the group owner for months, unbeknownst to me.
Yesterday, the SARDS dogs Yahoo group owner banned me from the group, without as much as a warning. Very disappointing, and I'm sad to lose contact with some folks on the list, whose dogs I've come to "know". It's probably for the best in the end, but I can't help but feel censored! I thought it would be reasonable to at least give me a heads up, ask me to tone it down, etc. etc., but that was not the case.
As a result, I started my own SARDS dogs Yahoo group, focused on discussing adrenal exhaustion, and its implications in SARDS, as well as auto-immunity, allergies, and cancer:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/SARDSdogs_AE/
I can only hope that folks will find this group a safe place to learn, share, and discuss. I encourage all of my readers to take part if you are so inclined, as your perspective will only serve to help others trying to gather as much information as possible!
I think back to when Reo was first diagnosed, and I was desperate to find information - any and all - so I could filter through and find what made sense to me (that is why I started this blog!). That opportunity should not be lost, and so I continue to make available my beliefs, Dr. Plechner and Caroline Levin's research, other related blog posts, and as much information as possible, to help other owners make educated decisions concerning treatment for their animals.
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.
Email coming ...
ReplyDeleteKeep up the fight !!!
Love,
Gracie :)
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