Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Sudden blindness from retinal degeneration in 93 dogs in western
By Leis, Marina L et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2017·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome in western Canada: 93 cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in western Canada, including breeds like miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, and pugs, were diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) after their owners noticed sudden blindness. Most of these dogs were around 8 years old and showed abnormal responses in their pupils. Along with vision loss, many had other health issues like increased thirst and urination, weight gain, and elevated liver enzymes. While there are tests to check pupil responses, the most reliable way to confirm SARDS is through a specialized eye test called electroretinography. Unfortunately, SARDS leads to permanent blindness, and there is no treatment to restore vision.
People also search for: dog sudden blindness · SARDS in dogs · miniature schnauzer eye problems · dachshund vision loss · pug retinal degeneration
Abstract
This study reviewed clinical data from dogs diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) in western Canada. Medical records from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine from 2002 to 2016 showed that 93 cases of SARDS were diagnosed based on presentation for sudden blindness and a bilaterally extinguished electroretinogram. The most common pure breeds were the miniature schnauzer, dachshund, and pug. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.1 years and males and females were equally affected. Most of the dogs were presented with normal non-chromatic, but abnormal chromatic pupillary light reflexes. The incidence of retinal degeneration as detectedophthalmoscopy increased over time after SARDS diagnosis. Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight gain, elevated liver enzyme values, isosthenuria, and proteinuria were common clinical and laboratory findings. Chromatic pupillary light reflex testing may be more valuable than non-chromatic pupillary light testing in detecting pupil response abnormalities in dogs with SARDS, although electroretinography remains the definitive diagnostic test.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29089658/