SARDS - Sudden Irreversible Blindness in Dogs

Ever heard of SARDS? If you haven't, you're not alone. Sudden Acquired Retinal Degenerative Syndrome is not completely understood even by veterinarians, but what is know is that it causes complete and irreversible blindness in dogs. It occurs mostly in middle aged female dogs of any breed. Irreversible blindness in dogs studied at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Some symptoms have been described prior to blindness such as increase thirst, urination and weight and a decrease in hearing and smell.

Dr. Freya Mowat teaches ophthalmology at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and is heading up a two year study on the syndrome. Dr. Freya hypothesizes that the immune system of dog's affected, attacks the tissues of the eyes and parts of the brain that control the release of hormones of the pineal gland. Dr. Freya seeks to find the mechanisms of this degeneration.

Currently, pet parents of dogs affected by this syndrome are being offered the opportunity to have their dog participate in the study and receive compensation on their veterinary bills associated with treatment of SARDS. For more information on this study, please visit the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine website.