Nothing is scarier than realizing your dog all of a sudden is blind. Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is a scary retinal condition that leads to rapid blindness. This blindness can occur within days, making it an alarming condition. Here’s what you need to know about SARDS in dogs:

What is SARDS in Dogs?

There are quite a few common eye problems in dogs, including retinal damage. Unlike common eye issues, sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is a rare eye condition, specifically affecting the retina. SARDS can cause quick and irreversible blindness and can develop as early as a few days to a few weeks or months. Sometimes, SARDS seemingly occurs almost overnight, and dogs have lost almost all ability to see.

With an average onset of 8-10 years, SARDS tends to be more common in older dogs and is found slightly more frequently in spayed females. However, while any dog can get SARDS as it is not an inheritable disease, certain breeds like Beagles, Dachshunds, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Pugs, and brachycephalic breeds may be slightly more susceptible to SARDS. While the blindness caused by SARDS is permanent, there is little to no pain, and most dogs learn to live full lives with their owners’ help!

What Causes SARDS in Dogs?

SARDS is an idiopathic disease, which means that the exact cause of the disease is unknown. It is not an inheritable disease, meaning a dog does not get it from a parent. There is some speculation that SARDS is an autoimmune response that causes inflammation of the retina, but it has not been proven.

Studies have also been done to determine if SARDS is a hormonal issue, but again, the research has not shown any proof. Other research seems to suggest that Cushing’s Disease and SARDS may be linked; however, it has also not been proven.

Other factors, like certain toxins, may be present in a dog with SARDS, but there has not been enough conclusive research done to make a scientific connection. More research is needed in order to fully understand and determine the cause of SARDS.

How Common is SARDS in Dogs?

SARDS is a rare retinal condition. It is fair to say that it is rare and uncommon. It does seem to affect older, spayed female dogs more often, but consistent statistical significance between males and females has not yet been able to be established.

It is important to note that SARDS in dogs is rare. There are only approximately 400 cases of SARDS in dogs in the United States annually. This is only about 0.1-0.2% of the general population of dogs.

How is SARDS Diagnosed in Dogs?

Getting a diagnosis of SARDS will require seeing a veterinarian who will make a tentative diagnosis based on symptoms and your dog’s medical history. They will check your dog’s reflexes and perform an eye exam. Your vet will check your dog’s intraocular pressure to rule out glaucoma.

Confirming SARDS will require an appointment with a veterinary ophthalmologist. A test called an electroretinogram (ERG) shows how the retina responds to light. If a dog has SARDS, the retina will not respond to light, and the electroretinogram will show a flat line.

If a dog has a normal response despite being blind, your veterinarian will most likely recommend an MRI or CT scan, or both. These tests can help diagnose other causes of blindness, like inflammation of the optic nerve or a brain tumor.

Can SARDS in Dogs Be Reversed?

Unfortunately, SARDS in dogs cannot currently be reversed. At this time, there isn’t any treatment available that can restore a dog’s vision. However, many dogs learn to adapt to their blindness. With the right supportive care and stable environment, dogs learn to rely on their other senses.

What is the Prognosis of SARDS in Dogs?

There is no treatment for dogs with SARDS. If a dog has blindness caused by SARDS, it is permanent. You may see some treatments or supplements marketed to treat SARDS; however, there is no evidence that these are beneficial to dogs with this condition.

If your dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, along with SARDS, the disease can be treated with a variety of medications or treatments. However, treating Cushing’s Disease will not reverse your dog’s blindness.

Many dogs can live happy and fulfilling lives without full vision. Some dogs may take longer to adjust than others, but most adjust within a few weeks. While your dog adjusts to their new life without vision, they may need some extra care.

How to Help Your Dog Adjust to Blindness

Here’s how to help your dog adjust to blindness at home and when out and about with you:

1. Avoid rearranging furniture.
2. Remove obstacles and secure loose items.
3. Consider using a dog halo at first.
4. Address slippery flooring.
5. Keep dogs leashed or in fenced areas when outside.
6. Equip them with goggles.
7. Use a harness and a shorter leash.
8. Play scent games.
9. Practice verbal commands.

1. Avoid Rearranging Furniture

While your dog adjusts to blindness, try to avoid moving or rearranging any furniture in your home. This will allow your dog to learn the layout of your home and navigate it without their eyesight.

2. Remove Obstacles and Secure Loose Items

You should also consider removing any dangerous obstacles that are in your home. You may also want to consider either securing or moving anything that risks toppling over if it’s bumped into.

3. Consider Using a Dog Halo at First

While your dog learns the layout of your home, you may want to try a device called a dog halo. This will help protect your dog’s face and body if they bump into any furniture. This will also allow your dog to gently bump into things, helping them learn where everything is so they can navigate safely without the halo.

4. Address Slippery Flooring

If there is any slippery flooring in your home, consider replacing it or adding grippers. This is especially important on stairs. If a dog loses their footing, it can cause injury and may cause anxiety. Adding grippers to your stairs might also be helpful if your dog is afraid of stairs.

You can also add ramps to different areas to reduce how often they have to navigate stairs or jump up or down from things. Grippers on flooring or stairs, ramps, and more are ways to prep your house for a dog with disabilities that can benefit a blind dog.

5. Keep Dogs Leashed or in Fenced Areas When Outside

If your dog wants to be outside, make sure you keep them on a leash or confined to a fenced-in area. Make sure you give your dog time to learn their outdoor surroundings, too. You can do this by walking around the yard with them while they are on a leash.

6. Equip Them With Goggles

To protect your dog’s eyes from any bushes or sticks, consider some doggy goggles. This is a great product to protect your dog from weather, which can be useful for protecting a blind dog’s eyes too. That way, your dog can still have fun while keeping their eyes protected. This is also helpful if your dog has keratitis.

7. Use a Harness and Shorter Leash

Your dog will still need exercise, so make sure you keep them on a shorter leash or harness during walks. Try to avoid walking your dog at twilight, if necessary. This is because other animals tend to be more active and can be really frightening to a dog that can’t see.

8. Play Scent Games

Scent games, especially indoor scent games, are a great option to help your dog strengthen their sniffing skills, and it won’t be necessary for them to rely on eyesight to play.

9. Practice Verbal Commands

If you use any hand gestures to communicate with your dog, you are going to have to switch entirely to verbal commands. This might take a little bit of adjustment, but dogs learn quickly! It’s a common dog training myth that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, but with plenty of positive reinforcement and patience, your dog will be able to learn how to adjust.

This is just an overview of SARDS in dogs. While the exact cause is still unknown, many dogs can live happy lives when symptoms are managed. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to your veterinarian.