Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 4

Overview

Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome, usually shortened to SARDS, causes rapid loss of sight as the retina, the eye's light-sensitive layer, stops working normally. The eyes may look normal inside at first, despite severe vision loss. The cause remains uncertain, and vision recovery is unlikely. Some affected dogs also develop increased thirst, appetite and weight.

Signs to watch for

Sudden loss of sight
Unusually large pupils
Drinking more and urinating more
Increased appetite
Weight gain

Most often develops in middle-aged and older dogs.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog suddenly loses vision.

Diagnosis and tests

A veterinary eye specialist checks the eyes and uses an electroretinogram, or ERG, to measure the retina's electrical response to light. An absent response supports SARDS, even when the retina looks normal. If retinal responses remain normal, vets investigate problems affecting the nerves or brain instead.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Thai BangkaewMedium · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.