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Long Term Outcome of SARDS | VETgirl Veterinary CE Podcasts

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS), a condition in dogs in which total blindness occurs acutely, usually over days to weeks.  Diagnosis of SARDS is made in cases of acute vision loss with an otherwise normal eye exam, and a flat-line electroretinogram (or ERG) recording is confirmatory.  Multiple investigations into the pathogenesis of SARDS have failed to identify an underlying cause.1-4 The average age at diagnosis is about 8 years, and approximately 60% of cases are female dogs.5 The Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, and mixed-breed dogs are most commonly affected. 4 The blindness from SARDS is considered permanent, with no reported successful therapy.

In addition to blindness, about 40% of dogs with SARDS demonstrate systemic clinical signs of polyuria/polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight gain.   These signs may develop prior to the onset of blindness, or shortly thereafter.5,6  Serum biochemical abnormalities including elevated cholesterol, AST, ALT, and ALP are also commonly reported.  Despite the clinical resemblance to hyperadrenocorticism, it is very rarely confirmed in SARDS patients.4,7

This VetGirl podcast will review a recent study8 that looks at the pet owner’s perspective on long-term outcome and quality of life – great information so you know how to counsel your pet owners when their dogs go acutely blind with this traumatic disease!

REFERENCES:

  1. Belhorn RW, Murphy CJ, Thirkill CE. Anti-retinal immunoglobulins in canine ocular diseases. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim) 1988;3:28–32.
  2. Keller RL, Kania SA, Hendrix DV, et al. Evaluation of canine serum for the presence of antiretinal autoantibodies in sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. Vet Ophthalmol 2006;9:195–200.
  3. Gilmour MA, Cardenas MR, Blaik MA, et al. Evaluation of a comparative pathogenesis between cancer-associated retinopathy in humans and sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome in dogs via diagnostic imaging and western blot analysis. Am J Vet Res 2006;67:877–881.
  4. Braus BK, Hauck SM, Amann B, et al. Neuron-specific enolase antibodies in patients with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008;124:177–183.
  5. Carter RT, Oliver JW, Stepien RL, et al. Elevations in sex hormones in dogs with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS). J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2009;45:207–214.
  6. van der Woerdt A, Nasisse MP, Davidson MG. Sudden acquired retinal degeneration in the dog: clinical and laboratory findings in 36 cases. Prog Vet Comp Ophthalmol 1991;1:11–18.
  7. Mattson A, Roberts SM, Isherwood JME. Clinical features suggesting hyperadrenocorticism associated with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome in a dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1992:28:199-202.
  8. Stuckey JA, Pearce JW, Giuliano EA, et al. Long term outcome of sudden acquired retinal degeneration in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;243(10):1426-1431.

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