Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Immune system may cause sudden blindness in dogs with SARDS
By Grozdanic, Sinisa D et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2019·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Optical coherence tomography and molecular analysis of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) eyes suggests the immune-mediated nature of retinal damage.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 29 dogs diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) were examined for changes in their eyes. Many of these dogs had retinal detachments that were not visible during regular eye exams but were detected using advanced imaging techniques. The study found no signs of other health issues that could have contributed to their blindness, and the findings suggest that the retinal damage may be caused by an immune response. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for SARDS, and the dogs remain blind, but understanding the condition better may help in future management.
People also search for: dog sudden blindness SARDS · immune response eye problems in dogs · treatment for dog retinal degeneration
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To perform detailed analysis of retinal changes in dogs with SARDS using optical coherence tomography (OCT), funduscopy, and molecular analysis. ANIMALS: Subjects were 29 dogs from 12 US states and Canada diagnosed with SARDS by 8 ophthalmologists. An additional 7 eyes from 5 deceased SARDS dogs were used for molecular and histological analysis. PROCEDURES: Dogs were evaluated using chromatic pupil light reflex testing (cPLR), and electroretinography (ERG); subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including funduscopy, retinal photography, and OCT, in addition to complete laboratory analysis, blood pressure evaluation, abdominal and thoracic radiographs, and computerized tomography (CT) imaging to assess possible systemic abnormalities. Histology and immunohistochemistry analysis was performed in 2 SARDS eyes. Microarray analysis was performed in 5 SARDS retinas. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of patients had <1-mm wide retinal detachments (RD) on OCT analysis, which could not be detected by funduscopy or retinal photographs. Systemic hypertension did not seem to be a contributing factor (RD 22.2%; ND 20%, Odds ratio = 1.1). No dogs showed neoplastic changes by thoracic or abdominal radiography, or CT imaging. There was no statistically significant difference in age (RD 7.9 ± 1.9 years (mean ± SD); ND 7.6 ± 1.7 years, p = 0.69) or duration of blindness prior to presentation (RD 18 ± 7 days (mean±SD); ND 21 ± 12 days, p = 0.28). Microarray and histology analysis of SARDS eyes revealed molecular changes suggestive of immune-mediated damage. CONCLUSIONS: Observed histological, molecular, and OCT changes are highly suggestive of immune-mediated damage in SARDS eyes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30109754/