Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is a condition seen in dogs which results in complete vision loss over a few days to a few weeks.

The cause of SARDS is unknown at this time.  It has been shown that it is not an inherited (genetic) disorder.  It is currently thought that it is a toxic reaction in the retina possibly related fat bi product, hormonal and immune-mediated causes.

What is Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)?

• Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is a condition seen in dogs which usually results in a rapid degeneration of the retina leading to irreversible, complete vision loss over a few days to a few weeks.  The retina usually appears normal when initially examined because the degeneration occurs so rapidly.  Over time, the retina will eventually show evidence of degeneration when examined.

What Causes SARDS?

• The cause of SARDS is unknown at this time.  It has been shown that it is not an inherited (genetic) disorder.  It is currently thought that it is a toxic reaction in the retina possibly related fat bi product, hormonal and immune-mediated causes.

What is a Typical Scenario?

• The disease normally occurs in middle-age to older dogs which are commonly overweight.  Female dogs are affected more often than male dogs.  SARDS may occur in any breed including mixed breed dogs, however, of the pure bred dogs, dachshunds and schnauzers appear to be predisposed.  The disease is often associated with an increase in thirst, urination, and weight gain.  SARDS may be associated with Cushing’s disease, a condition associated with overproduction of corticosteroids by the adrenal gland. If symptoms are suggestive of Cushing’s disease blood testing is recommended.

Diagnosis

• SARDS is usually confirmed by performing an electrical function test of the retina called an Electroretinogram (ERG).  Since the retina appears normal on initial evaluation the test is necessary to distinguish SARDS from other causes of blindness including central nervous system disorders of the optic nerve or the brain.  If a dog has SARDS, the ERG will show an absence of retinal activity.  If the retinal activity is not extinguished, additional diagnostic testing may be required to determine the cause of the blindness.
• What is the Treatment and what are the Expectations?
  There is no known treatment available for SARDS.  This condition not a painful disorder; pets remain comfortable and pain free.  In pets that are positive for Cushing’s disease, treatment of Cushing’s disease is recommended because this disease can have adverse effects on other body systems.  Treatment of the Cushing’s disease will not improve vision.
• Since pets with SARDS have rapid vision loss, initially adjustment to their home environment takes a few weeks time to adapt to the changes.  Pets’ strong sense of smell and memory and hearing are important during their adaptive period.   

Additional Information

• MVS Ophthalmology handout Caring for Your Blind Pet, 
  
• Web site www:Blinddogs.com
  
• Training  for Owners of Low Vision and Blind dogs  by Nancy Levine