Losing their sight can have a huge impact on a dog’s life, and it can change the relationship between a pet parent and their beloved companion.
One particularly devastating cause of blindness in dogs is Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS). SARDS causes rapid and irreversible blindness.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of SARDS is unknown (idiopathic). This makes prevention and treatment incredibly difficult.
This article will explore what SARDS is, what causes it (or rather, what doesn’t cause it), the signs and symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and what the likely outcome is for dogs who develop this condition.
What is Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)?
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome, or SARDS, causes rapid and permanent blindness in dogs. SARDS targets the retina, leading to fast vision loss.
The quick onset of SARDS is what sets it apart from other conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which develops slowly.
The retina is the part of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells called rods and cones. These cells convert light into electrical signals, which the brain then interprets as images. SARDS causes these photoreceptor cells to degenerate, which stops them from sending normal visual signals to the brain.
The exact cause of SARDS is unknown, which means that SARDS is an idiopathic condition. Possible causes currently under investigation include autoimmune inflammation and neuroendocrine (hormonal) imbalances.
What causes SARDS?
The biggest problem with SARDS is that we don’t know what causes it. In other words, it’s “idiopathic.”
However, there are some theories:
- Hormone Imbalance: Some researchers think SARDS is related to hormone problems. For example, it sometimes occurs in dogs that also have Cushing’s disease.
- Autoimmune Disease: It’s possible SARDS is an autoimmune disease, meaning the dog’s immune system attacks its own retina.
- Genetics: Genetics might play a role. Some breeds seem more likely to get SARDS than others.
Unfortunately, these are just theories. More research is needed.
Clinical Signs and Diagnosis of SARDS
How do you know if your dog has SARDS? Here are some of the telltale signs.
Recognizing the Clinical Signs
The main symptom of SARDS is a rapid onset of blindness. In fact, the sudden and rapid loss of vision is the hallmark of the condition.
Other signs include:
- Dilated pupils that don’t constrict when exposed to light
- Disorientation and bumping into things
- Reluctance to move around
Diagnostic Procedures
If your dog is showing these signs, your vet will likely perform the following tests to confirm a SARDS diagnosis:
- Ophthalmologic exam to rule out other causes of blindness
- Assessment of visual reflexes
- Electroretinography (ERG), a test that measures the electrical activity of the retina
- Blood tests to rule out related conditions like Cushing’s disease
Electroretinography, or ERG, is the most definitive tool for diagnosing SARDS.
Living with SARDS: Adapting to Blindness
It’s tough news, but it’s important to know upfront that there’s currently no effective treatment to reverse SARDS. The rapid nature of the retinal degeneration makes it really difficult to develop treatments that work.
That also means that the prognosis for SARDS is permanent blindness.
The good news is that most dogs adapt well to their vision loss and maintain a good quality of life. With a few adjustments, you can help your dog navigate their new world.
Here’s what you can do:
- Create a safe and consistent environment. Try to avoid moving furniture around so your dog can develop a mental map of your home.
- Use verbal cues and tactile signals. Verbal cues can help your dog understand what’s around them, and tactile signals can help them orient themselves.
- Use a leash and secure outdoor areas. Always walk your dog on a leash and make sure they’re in a fenced area when they’re outside so they don’t wander into danger.
Summary
SARDS is a tough diagnosis. It means your dog has gone blind suddenly, and unfortunately, there’s no known cause or cure for the condition.
If your dog has SARDS, the most important thing you can do is provide a safe and stable environment while they adjust to their vision loss. This includes keeping furniture in the same place and supervising them outdoors.
It can be heartbreaking to watch your dog lose their sight, but dogs are incredibly resilient. With your love and support, they can adapt surprisingly well to being blind. After an initial adjustment period, most owners report that their dogs have an excellent quality of life. Although SARDS changes things, it doesn’t have to stop your dog from enjoying a happy and fulfilling life.