01/22/15 - I can't believe it's been 3 months since Reo has passed. It feels like a lifetime, and my heart is still grieving.
I have been mulling over my informative blog post to discuss the factors I feel lead to Reo's decline (spoiler alert - the anesthesia from the dental procedure she had in July, together with a few other factors). But, I can't quite bring myself to write it yet. I will not abandon you, dear readers! I know many of you read this blog with interest, and have cared and loved Reo from afar. I just need a little more time to gather my thoughts, and to grieve a bit more. It is amazing how such a tiny dog has left such a large void in my family's lives - human and dog.
Thank you for your collective patience...bear with this grieving mamma. :)
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.
First, I want to say that I am very sorry for the loss of your dog. After reading all of your blogs I can tell you were an amazing dog owner and Reo was SO lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteI have been searching for MONTHS for a blog like this. Maybe you can help me since you understand the pain of trying to diagnose and cure something that no one can truly figure out...
My 7 year old Rat Terrier, Roxy, went blind Sept. 10th. We rushed her to the emergency room and they had to put her on IV because her eye pressures were so high (70s). She was released the next day with drops, steroid drops and doxycycline pill, in case of bacteria, and they said she had minimal vision. But we had to wait for the $3,000 worth of tests. Of course, everything came back negative. Three days later, her pressured looks iffy again. I brought her to the vet and they gave us more meds to bring them down (lantanaprost I believe, sorry there has been SO many!) Anyway, we then got her an entire ultrasound and complete X-rays, as well as the more intricate blood and urine panel. Again, everything came back negative. By this point, she could not see at all. Two weeks later (as more tests are going through) her left cornea melted due to the steroid drops (which were making her better for a few weeks). It was horrible. Got drops right away, and then the gatofloxin ended up making it a little better. Now it seems healed. Her eyes are still very red (like your dog had a while ago, I read all of your posts!) but not gooey as they were before, and she is not in pain, like she was before. However, our darling ophthalmologist moved and we never still did get a diagnosis. It is not cataracts, in some light you can see a cloudy membrane over her eye, but really you can see blood vessels and redness. We were going to have her eyes removed, but when we went for the consutation the vet decided against it because she was in great spirits. She still hikes, eats, play, etc. Dogs in pain do not do that.
Sorry for the rant, but it seems like JUST what you went through. Do you have any advice of what to do next? I have an appt. in Feb. for a new opthamologist, but I am not sure they tested thyroid yet, unless that is in a normal panel. ANY advice would be AWESOME.
I am so sorry for your loss :(
Hi Jamie - it doesn't sound like Roxy has SARDS based on what you are describing. If Roxy has very high eye pressure, you are probably dealing with glaucoma and not SARDS. You could Google image search and see if anything looks like Roxy has. What tests were done at the vet - did they do an ERG?
ReplyDeleteHello Lynn, my name is Tina and my dog was just diagnosed with SARDS. The docs say there isn't anything I could do. I would so appreciate it if you can contact me at jerseymilne@yahoo.com!!! Thank you so much...
ReplyDeleteHello Lynn, so sorry I've been so crazy about my dog and forgot to say I'm so sorry about your loss and unfortunately I understand because I lost my dog Pebbles and it was so hard beyond words...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Our Pomeranian Chico was diagnosed with SARDS in Jan 2014. I had come across your blog a month or two earlier, when we realized he had a vision problem.
ReplyDeleteThough blind, he was happy for several months after being diagnosed. We gave lots of love and care. Unfortunately, he had some other health issues: slightly enlarged heart, respiratory issues, weight gain. In Aug his kidneys began to fail. He was in the hospital for a couple of days on IV hydration, but just couldn't turn the corner. It was an awful day for us, but we just couldn't bear to see him suffer.
The amount of attention, effort, and love you gave your Reo is a testament to the caliber of owner you are. We always know that the sad day will come, but I believe there is never a 'right' or better time -- nothing makes it easier. As time has gone by, the tears of grief and sorrow are slowly being displaced by tears of happy memories, and missing our little guy.
Bless you for all your efforts.
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