11/11/11 - I'm home from a tour of 10 states in 5 days. Exhausted, and thinking I won't schedule any trips like THAT again any time soon!
Reo did pretty well while I was gone. Sean reported increased thirst (PD) and urination (PU). It's clear that this happens when we pulse the Medrol. I think next time I'm away, we'll give her the added Medrol every third day instead of every other day to see how she does.
When I got home yesterday, she was really bloated and kind of gassy. Her belly was very turgid, and she seemed uncomfortable. Usually her stool is loose when she displays these symptoms, but her stool has been quite normal. So, I'm not sure what happened with that. She seems back to normal this morning, with a soft belly. Maybe she ate something outside that didn't agree with her!
Her vision seems to be pretty good at the moment, which makes me both happy and relieved. As much as I say that Reo's health is the #1 priority (and it is), I'm still very happy that she has had some vision return and stay!
It's chilly today, but should be warming up enough to put a fleece on the dogs and get them out for a walk. After taking literally 10 flights this week, I know I need a walk to loosen up!
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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