Rozee has SARDS

[Rae]

One month ago Rozee, age 8 1/2 years, saw her favorite vet for her annual checkup and, other than being 4-5 pounds too heavy, she was in great health. Ten days later I took her back and told the vet Rozee was having problems seeing and after a very detailed eye exam he agreed and suggested we see a specialist. Yesterday we saw a really great doctor and after further and even more detailed testing we now know Rozee has SARDS - Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration. She has lost between 90-95% of her sight and will probably be 100% blind within the next 7-10 days. The good news is that she isn't in pain and, once she adjusts, will be able to have a good quality of life...just without her sight.

This is proving to be a big adjustment for all of us but mostly for our 7 month old puppy, Cassie. Cassie still wants to rough house, play chase me, and generally pest the heck out of Rozee and can't understand why Rozee wants no part of it. Rozee has enough to do just getting around without walking into a wall, tripping over Cassie and being able to find her favorite pig toys. We want to "help" Rozee as much as we can but can't constantly tell Cassie to "stop", "leave it", and "leave Rozee alone"! Certainly isn't fair to a puppy that just wants to be a puppy!

Have any of you ever had to deal with anything like this? It's a hard balancing act. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry, Rae. I have no personal experience with this, although I did have an elderly dog who lost her sight. She adjusted very well, and I hope Rozee does too. I really think things will get easier with a little time. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

There is another dog here who is blind and there are lots of blogs charting her journey. Perhaps you can connect together?  I am very sad to read this but I did once have a dog that went blind completely at age six from the same disease and she got on just fine. I do remember we had to remember to make sure the furniture remained in the same place but other than that she had a very happy life for a further twelve years!  (Take a look at  Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle )

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I'm so sorry to hear about this. It will be difficult to teach the puppy to leave Rozee alone. Puppies are dominant over adults so I think I would be working on teaching the puppy. Try distraction with a treat or favourite toy every time Cassie tries to play. You need to be more fun than Rozee. At Rally Obedience we have to teach dogs to go thru distractions like food and favourite toys. It's very challenging to be more fun than those things, but with perseverance it can be done.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am glad for your sake that you got a definitive diagnosis and that Rozee is not in any pain from her condition.

[Karen & Maple]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I think Rozee is fortunate to have you taking such good care of her. May I ask, how did they come to this diagnosis vs something like Optic Neuritis, or a tumor? Will they or have they done blood work to rule out autoimmune disease such as Cushing's?

[Rae]

Thank you for your post. The Opthalmologist did several tests on Rozee's eyes to rule out several other conditions and had it down to SARDS and Optic Neuritis Chiasmal Mass so we went ahead with the ERG -Electroretinogram. The outcome was SARDS (complete flat tine on print out). Our regular vet had also done several tests on her eyes (including the cute cotton ball test) and we also had complete blood panels done. The blood work come back with everything completely normal. My biggest concern was that Rozee was in pain, so I'm thrilled that she isn't. My first hint that there was a problem was when she couldn't play "find it" where I toss small carrots and she runs around gathering them up. Carrots have always been her favorite treat.

[Karen & Maple]

What an experience! Seems like you're all in good hands. I'm sure these next few weeks will be trying. You'll likely grow even closer to Rozee. Hopefully she'll hone in on her other senses soon, and be gathering carrots again before you know it. Keep us posted.

[Lauria Orr]

Rae! I have not been on DK for awhile and I was really surprised to learn about Rozee's eye issues. I am just so sorry to learn of this. How is she doing? I hope the adjustments that are needed here will be tolerable. I can imagine how difficult this is. I am so glad Rozee's is yours, and know she will be well cared for...bless her heart, and yours.

[Rae]

Thanks! She's actually doing extremely well. She seems to be adjusting and doesn't run into walls nearly as often. We still have the problem of her tripping over Baby Cassie ( new puppy in the house...well, 7 month old pup) just because she can't see her sleeping in the middle of the room and we need to make sure the floors are kept clear. She goes for walks and actually plays with Cassie and loves her piggie toys. She's such a sweetie and we'll be there for anything she needs.

[Lauria Orr]

Hi Rae, I am glad Rozee is adjusting so well. It amazes me how resilient our pups can be. She is in a household of love and support. She knows her friends!