SARDS in dogs
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome, or SARDS, is a rare disease in dogs that causes sudden blindness. At present, about 4,000 cases are reported annually with female dogs being more numerous than males, & any breed or mixed breed can succumb. Young dogs are less likely to develop SARDS than middle-aged or older dogs. The average age of onset of symptoms is 7-10 years.
While all breeds of dog are susceptible to SARDS, Dachshunds, Pugs, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Brittany Spaniels, Bichon Frises, and mixed-breed dogs are particularly predisposed.
The cause of SARDS in dogs in not well understood, and is still widely debated by medical professionals. Suggested causes are elevated adrenal sex hormones, environmental toxins, autoimmune problems, and possibly Cushing’s Disease.
While all breeds of dog are susceptible to SARDS, Dachshunds, Pugs, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Brittany Spaniels, Bichon Frises, and mixed-breed dogs are particularly predisposed.
The cause of SARDS in dogs in not well understood, and is still widely debated by medical professionals. Suggested causes are elevated adrenal sex hormones, environmental toxins, autoimmune problems, and possibly Cushing’s Disease.
Symptoms of SARDS
Polyuria and polydipsia (excessive urination & thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger), weight gain, and lethargy are symptoms that occur approximately two weeks prior to the onset of blindness.
Vision loss in SARDS is rapid and complete blindness occurring anywhere from 24 hours to 4 weeks after being affected. It is common for dogs with SARDS to retain the symptoms of increased thirst and hunger permanently.
Vision loss in SARDS is rapid and complete blindness occurring anywhere from 24 hours to 4 weeks after being affected. It is common for dogs with SARDS to retain the symptoms of increased thirst and hunger permanently.
Diagnosis
Upon examination of your dog, the veterinary ophthalmologist will typically find no abnormalities in the appearance of the retinal tissues. The appearance of the eyes will be indistinguishable from those of dogs with chronic retinal degeneration.
SARDS needs to be distinguished from other causes of sudden blindness that have no visible pathology, but do have life-threatening complications. Some of the other causes that need to be ruled out are:
An Electroretinogram (ERG) is often performed to diagnose SARDS. This procedure tests what function remains in the retina. An ERG is not harmful or painful but the dog needs to be still so in most cases, general anesthetic is required to undergo this type of testing. In many SARDS cases liver enzymes are found to be abnormal on bloodwork without outward signs of liver dysfunction.
SARDS needs to be distinguished from other causes of sudden blindness that have no visible pathology, but do have life-threatening complications. Some of the other causes that need to be ruled out are:
- Demyelinating inflammation of the optic nerve – optic papillitis (when head of the optic nerve is involved).
- Retrobulbar neuritis (when the posterior of the nerve is involved) due to diabetes mellitus, low phosphorus levels, or hyperkalaemia.
- Tumors of the optic nerve or brain and other central nervous system disorders
An Electroretinogram (ERG) is often performed to diagnose SARDS. This procedure tests what function remains in the retina. An ERG is not harmful or painful but the dog needs to be still so in most cases, general anesthetic is required to undergo this type of testing. In many SARDS cases liver enzymes are found to be abnormal on bloodwork without outward signs of liver dysfunction.
Treatment and prognosis
There is currently no effective treatment available for SARDS with definitive, positive results.
A study, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, of long-term outcomes in dogs with SARDS surveyed 100 people living with SARDS-affected dogs. In this study, 22 of the 100 dogs received some sort of treatment (corticosteroids, nutritional supplements, melatonin and/or doxycycline) for their blindness. None experienced improved vision in response to therapy.
A handful of veterinarians offer treatment courses for SARDS. No controlled studies have been conducted on these treatments, nor any studies done to evaluate safety, so one needs to consider these possible options carefully.
The most important thing to remember is SARDS is not a death sentence and blind dogs can enjoy happy, healthy, long lives. Getting a SARDS diagnosis for your dog is devastating and can initially be a struggle for you both.
A study, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, of long-term outcomes in dogs with SARDS surveyed 100 people living with SARDS-affected dogs. In this study, 22 of the 100 dogs received some sort of treatment (corticosteroids, nutritional supplements, melatonin and/or doxycycline) for their blindness. None experienced improved vision in response to therapy.
A handful of veterinarians offer treatment courses for SARDS. No controlled studies have been conducted on these treatments, nor any studies done to evaluate safety, so one needs to consider these possible options carefully.
The most important thing to remember is SARDS is not a death sentence and blind dogs can enjoy happy, healthy, long lives. Getting a SARDS diagnosis for your dog is devastating and can initially be a struggle for you both.
Managing dogs with SARDS
SARDS is not a death sentence. With some small changes to your routine, patience, and practice, both you and your dog can maintain a good quality of life as they move to life without vision.
Seventy-six percent of respondents to the study of SARDS dogs ranked the quality of their dog’s life to be moderate to excellent. Only nine dogs were reported to have a poor quality of life. Of the 100 people surveyed, 95 indicated that they would discourage euthanasia if advising others caring for dogs with SARDS.
Here are our top tips for managing dogs with SARDs:
1. Adjustment period
First, allow for an adjustment period. Understand that things will change and it might not be easy at first.
Many owners of blind dogs report that their behavior can initially be quite withdrawn, downbeat and, at times, concerning. Dogs can display repetitive behaviour, such as walking in circles, as their eyesight fades. This is commonly due to the dog following the last patches of light that they can see. During this period, keep your house as dark as possible until their eyesight has completely gone.
2. Mental map and safety
You will most likely have a period of days or weeks where your dog has some vision remaining. During this period your dog will start to rely more on their mental map of their environment. The study of 100 dogs living with SARDS found that 87% of the dogs were reported to have moderate to excellent navigation skills within their home environments, and 81% had moderate to excellent navigation skills within their yard environments.
Your dog most likely already has a good mental map of your home, so don’t move furniture around or make any sudden changes that can confuse them. If you have stairs, block them off, and use a different texture of rug to indicate the top and bottoms of the stairs. You can use this method of tactile sensations to mark important areas for your dog. You can also use auditory and scenting methods in a similar way.
When you go on walks, take more time to allow your dog to smell things. They can still enjoy walks, just in a different way. Some people chose to use a halo/bumper collar to protect their dog from crashing into objects. These tools are particularly useful during walks outside when your dog wants to explore new environments safely. A good front-lead harness will help you lead your blind dog more effectively than a standard collar or harness.
Your dog will likely rely on you more initially, then become a more independent as their confidence increases. Your dog will most likely develop a stronger bond with you. Blind dogs appreciate your company and the security it provides even more. Thirty-seven percent of respondents to the study of SARDS dogs reported that the relationship with their dog actually improved after the SARDS diagnosis.
3. Increased thirst, hunger and urination
Many dogs with SARDS retain symptoms of increased thirst, hunger and urination, permanently. Management of these symptoms should be discussed with your veterinarian. Here are some tips from other SARDS dogs owners on how you can manage these symptoms:
Seventy-six percent of respondents to the study of SARDS dogs ranked the quality of their dog’s life to be moderate to excellent. Only nine dogs were reported to have a poor quality of life. Of the 100 people surveyed, 95 indicated that they would discourage euthanasia if advising others caring for dogs with SARDS.
Here are our top tips for managing dogs with SARDs:
1. Adjustment period
First, allow for an adjustment period. Understand that things will change and it might not be easy at first.
Many owners of blind dogs report that their behavior can initially be quite withdrawn, downbeat and, at times, concerning. Dogs can display repetitive behaviour, such as walking in circles, as their eyesight fades. This is commonly due to the dog following the last patches of light that they can see. During this period, keep your house as dark as possible until their eyesight has completely gone.
2. Mental map and safety
You will most likely have a period of days or weeks where your dog has some vision remaining. During this period your dog will start to rely more on their mental map of their environment. The study of 100 dogs living with SARDS found that 87% of the dogs were reported to have moderate to excellent navigation skills within their home environments, and 81% had moderate to excellent navigation skills within their yard environments.
Your dog most likely already has a good mental map of your home, so don’t move furniture around or make any sudden changes that can confuse them. If you have stairs, block them off, and use a different texture of rug to indicate the top and bottoms of the stairs. You can use this method of tactile sensations to mark important areas for your dog. You can also use auditory and scenting methods in a similar way.
When you go on walks, take more time to allow your dog to smell things. They can still enjoy walks, just in a different way. Some people chose to use a halo/bumper collar to protect their dog from crashing into objects. These tools are particularly useful during walks outside when your dog wants to explore new environments safely. A good front-lead harness will help you lead your blind dog more effectively than a standard collar or harness.
Your dog will likely rely on you more initially, then become a more independent as their confidence increases. Your dog will most likely develop a stronger bond with you. Blind dogs appreciate your company and the security it provides even more. Thirty-seven percent of respondents to the study of SARDS dogs reported that the relationship with their dog actually improved after the SARDS diagnosis.
3. Increased thirst, hunger and urination
Many dogs with SARDS retain symptoms of increased thirst, hunger and urination, permanently. Management of these symptoms should be discussed with your veterinarian. Here are some tips from other SARDS dogs owners on how you can manage these symptoms:
- Thirst - Many blind dog owners recommend a water fountain-style bowl that has a larger reservoir so your dog will always have a reliable supply of water. Fountains have the added benefit of making a running water sound which ensure that your blind dog can always find their water bowl.
- Urination - With increased water intake comes increased urination. If you don't already have one, a doggie door will be a big help. Your dog may already be able to navigate using their mental map to find a the door both from inside and outside of the house. If needed, add textured rugs or scent markers both inside and outside so your dog can find their way back inside by the feel.
- Hunger - It is important to ensure you keep an eye on the food intake of dogs with SARDS. An increased appetite will lead to weight gain if not monitored carefully. Ensure that you remove any foods they may be tempted to get into when unsupervised... their increased appetite will drive them to seek out new sources of food. Try a slow feed bowl, designed for dogs who woof down their dinner too quickly. They are also perfect blind dog accessories, turning meal time into great mental stimulation. Snuffle mats are great mental stimulation for blind dogs too.