Blindness On July 1st, I found out that my Millie is completely blind. She was examined by a veterinary opthamologist because she has developed a cataract in one eye and seemed to have experienced a decrease in vision. I was expecting to hear about cataract surgery (and was fearing a diagnosis of glaucoma) but I was completely blown away when the vet said she was completely blind in both eyes. The diagnosis, which was confirmed by a sophisticated test (a electroretinogram), is "Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration" or "SARDs." According to the literature given to me by the opthamologist, SARDs is a retinal disorder that causes sudden and permanent blindness. It is non-painful disease but there is no treatment. Many owners report that their pets become "blind, almost overnight." Symptoms include sudden loss of vision (usually within days or 1-2 weeks) and dilated pupils and the absence of other abnormalities in the eye that would account for the liness. All breeds of dogs (including mixed breeds) may be affected, often in middle age. Affected dogs are usually healthy, but some have a history of weight gain and excessive urination, thirst, and appetite. As I mentioned, I thought Millie had a decrease in vision, but I had no clue that she was blind. She is adapting exceptionally well and, except for bumping into things now and then, our activities are normal. In fact, I took her and Darma for two walks the day of the examination -- one before the examination and one after. I know she will be fine. I just wanted to let people know that this condition exists, because I had never heard of it before. (I know Cushings is very common among dachshunds, as two of my four previous doxies had it. According to the vet opthamologist, SARDs is fairly common among doxies.) Perhaps some of you have taken care of a blind dog before and could give me some tips (although we are adapting to the situation). Posted by kathleen320 - July 3, 2009 at 1:47 pm

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