03/11/12 - Today marks one year since Reo's SARDS diagnosis. I can't believe how much we have learned in the last year, and I can't believe how brave and true Reo has been through it all. Thinking back to how sick and miserable she was last year, it's incredible that she has bounced back so well. She is one tough little dog! I am amazed and inspired. :)
Though Reo has struggled at times this year, and is currently having some issues with her vision due to stress/change/moving cross country (not to mention that it's spring, a natural period of enhanced adrenal activity in animals and humans), she is more healthy and happy than she has been in years. There is no doubt in my mind that treating her per Caroline Levin's and Dr. Plechner's suggestions has saved her life, and most definitely restored some vision (for all of you naysayers out there...re-watch those obstacle course videos!).
Special thank-yous to Caroline and Dr. P, as well as Dr. Lanz (our acupuncturist) and Dr. O (Reo's treatment vet). We could not have gotten to this point without all of your care and support - thank you!
I'd also like to thank my readers, several of whom have shared their stories with me. I am inspired by you and your dog's journeys, and wish you all the best!
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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