06/04/12 - Reo continues to do well, though vision is inconsistent/transient. She loves the Stella and Chewy's patties I've been giving her as part of her food/protein rotation. I might keep her on this for quite some time and rotate the protein. She seems to be doing quite well on it. Her weight looks great, and she is a healthy little dog!
I had a thought the other day, when watching Reo navigate the house. We haven't changed any furniture positions in at least 6 weeks, and yet Reo still has trouble getting around - she's been bumping into things regularly. I was wondering if this was more "proof" of her transient vision, because she hasn't figured out the locations of things in the house or yard. Yes, she has general awareness of where things are, but there is a clear distinction sometimes as to how she gets around - sometimes she bumps everything and looks like a ping pong ball, but other times she appears to see well and gets around without bumping anything! It's strange, because I would have thought that if her vision was limited or completely gone, she would have been able to map out the house and get around better.
Of course, we are just staying the course with the supplements, etc. as I posted about previously HERE. We're about 3 months post her last injections, so we'll see. We love her like crazy nonetheless. :)
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.
My dog Molly is a 5 year old sheppard/husky mix. I am SICK. She started to lose her sight a few days ago and is now completely blind. The eye doctor put her on Prednisone yesterday and we had her blood work drawn yesterday (still don't have the results.)
ReplyDeleteI am overwhelmed and so devastated right now. When I read some of your articles to the vet and eye specialist, their response was "most people online are trying to get you to buy something." The eye specialist also said he doesn't think Molly has adrenal dysfunction.
Since it has only been about a week or a few days since she lost her sight, what would you recommend I do right now (other than wait for the blood work and do the prednisone)? I would really appreciate any advice you can give me!
My email is kptheatre@verizon.net.
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Kim,
DeleteI will reply to you privately!
Our dog got diagnosed with sards today and I'm hysterical. Don't literallt lost her sight overnight. Within the last few months she had bloat, wakes up every night panting and restless, and acts very strange.
ReplyDeletePlease please help us and tell us who to go to or contact hihoney101@aol.com
Hi there - I'm so sorry about your pup! I hope my blog has helped you find the info you need! A good first step would be to contact Caroline Levin and/or Dr. Plechner.
ReplyDelete