sards

[kipper6984]

My dog has just been diagnosed with Sards. Any feedback will help. Would an eye transplant be reasonable? Do I have any options? Thanks. TLH

[4Maddie44]

I am a pensioner and vets bills are so expensive.  Sadly I cannot help.  My little Biuchon Toby could not cope with his blindness.  He got more and more confused.  He would not let the groomer touch him, so I had to try myself, but that was impossible.  

He did not like me helping him, and he got aggressive and he was so unhappy.  I had to make the terrible decision to have him put to sleep to as he was obviously not coping with life.  Oh I don't know how we get over that.  Dear Toby was a rescue dog, and I only had him for three years.  Broke my heart.  

If your dog can live with his blindness and you can both cope with that, then that is probably the best decision.  I don't think he is in pain.  But I don't know.  

Hope things work out for both of you.  I, like you, have little money, so I will not get another dog.

[somwhereintime]

I have a miniature dachshund 8 yrs. of age just diagnosed today by the vet he has SARDS, & told me there was no hope he'd be completely blind in about a month.  I've noticed in the past month his not being able to find his treats or toys.  I am 68 years old and live only on SS & sad to say do not have the finances to have these injections but can't stand the pain & thought of him being blind because of me not being able to help him. Can you help me in any way? I lost my home 6 yrs. ago in Ohio & had to purchase a mobile home in Port Charlotte, Fl. just North of Ft. Myers.  I had to have a hip replacement in Dec 2012 & for the last year since my fall I've been on the couch he's been by my side, he's a loving fun dog who likes playing in the sprinkler.  Please help him, THANK YOU!!

[4Maddie44]

That treatment sounds very expensive.  What have you decided to do?

[4Maddie44]

My rescue Bichon Frise, Toby, has recently gone blind with Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

There are sites that will help you through this.  As dogs have a strong sense of smell, I find Toby likes going for little slow walks and having a good sniff at all the smells.  He does bump himself, but he eats and sleeps fine.  He is still the same dog.  He is six years old, and will live the rest of his life blind.

I talk to Toby before I groom him, and talk whilst we are walking.  He may not be as fast as he was, but dogs react differently to blindness than humans.

Do you really want him to go through a transplant?  He will cope, believe me.  Many people have lived with blind dogs.

Keep in touch, and let us know how he gets on.

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

Hi
Dogs with SARDS may be candidates for the IVIG injections available at Iowa State University. They must have normal heart and liver function and must be treated within 60 days of diagnosis for the retina to remain viable and have the best chance of success. Cost is $700 for diagnostics and about $1200 for the injections. Dr Simon Grozniak, DVM leads SARDS therapy at IOWA State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
I am glad to offer further help, please feel free to call our office.
Thank you
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM

[seeana]

Although I have lived with a blind dog and he was born blind,I do not know much about SARDS.He was an absolute joy.
There is a treatment called IVIg you can find it on google if you type in ( sards blind dog ) under science daily 2007.Also plenty of other info on there .from all over the world.

What ever the outcome for your Dog.... he can live a happy fulfilling life! he is blind its up to you to give him the confidence , commitment  and love to cope with this remember dogs have this 6th sense and you  have to train him to use it, you are now his guide human it can be a very rewarding experience and you can have a bond like never before.
                       NOW start to tell him you are there for him and always be confident in front of him if you are upset and worried so will he be.
Keep in touch.
Also use the Vets knowledge on this site.