Sudden Acute Retinal
Degeneration
What is it?
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome is an ocular disease in dogs that is characterized by a sudden onset of blindness. The vision loss occurs over a period of a few hours to days. Unfortunately there is no known cause for this disease.
Are certain breeds of dogs prone to SARDS?
The highest incidence of S.A.R.D.S. is reported in middle to older aged, moderately overweight, small breed, female dogs. However, it can occur in any dog.
How is SARDS diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on a history of sudden blindness, normal appearing eyes in the early stages of the disease and the absence of electrical activity on an electroretinogram (ERG). In the early stages of the disease, the ophthalmic examination is normal. In some early cases, subtle changes in the retinal vessels may be identified by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Advanced cases of S.A.R.D.S. display end-stage retinal disease with attenuation of retinal vessels, diffuse retinal thinning and atrophy of the optic nerve head. Advanced cases of S.A.R.D.S. may be difficult to discern from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited retinal disease in dogs.
Should I breed my dog if it has had Progressive Retinal Atrophy?
There is no evidence that S.A.R.D.S. is an inherited (genetic) disease.
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome is an ocular disease in dogs that is characterized by a sudden onset of blindness. The vision loss occurs over a period of a few hours to days. Unfortunately there is no known cause for this disease.
Are certain breeds of dogs prone to SARDS?
The highest incidence of S.A.R.D.S. is reported in middle to older aged, moderately overweight, small breed, female dogs. However, it can occur in any dog.
How is SARDS diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on a history of sudden blindness, normal appearing eyes in the early stages of the disease and the absence of electrical activity on an electroretinogram (ERG). In the early stages of the disease, the ophthalmic examination is normal. In some early cases, subtle changes in the retinal vessels may be identified by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Advanced cases of S.A.R.D.S. display end-stage retinal disease with attenuation of retinal vessels, diffuse retinal thinning and atrophy of the optic nerve head. Advanced cases of S.A.R.D.S. may be difficult to discern from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited retinal disease in dogs.
Should I breed my dog if it has had Progressive Retinal Atrophy?
There is no evidence that S.A.R.D.S. is an inherited (genetic) disease.
Symptoms |
Common signs of ulcers can include:
- sudden loss of vision - increase hunger, thirst or urination |
Treatment |
Unfortunately, at this time there is no treatment for SARDS.
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