Blindness cured with a shot is now a reality for pet owners whose dogs have suddenly gone blind due to a disease called SARDS.
Within the last 60 days, two blind dogs can now see! SARDS stands for an eye disease called sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome.
The SARDS research team led by Iowa State University veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Sinisa Grozdanic, DVM., in the College of Veterinary Medicine is responsible.
This is the first time that blindness in dogs caused by SARDS has been reversed successfully and all with just a few injections performed for a nominal fee. The treatment restored sight to two dogs that were treated this April, 2010.
The therapy consists of injecting a substance called immunoglobulin (IVIg), which is a blood product from people that contains antibodies. This immunoglobulin has also been used to treat various immune disorders, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune problems in people.
SARDS was first detected about 20 years ago and blinds nearly 4,000 dogs each year in the US. The dogs have a sudden loss of vision with no apparent cause or warning signs. The affected dogs eyes look normal, but their retinas have no electrical activity, which is how the diagnosis is made.
The disease in dogs has similarities to a retinal disorder that affects humans called immune mediated retinopathy, which also offered no treatment until about 10 years ago.
This therapy has restored vision for two dogs afflicted with SARDS, although dogs with kidney failure and/or heart disease are not good candidates as they can not tolerate the IVIg injections. Dog with advanced degeneration of the retina are also not able to be treated.
It is important to understand that as soon as a dog get SARDS, his or her retina begins to degenerate very quickly, therefore dog owners interested in this SARDS therapy ideally need to contact Iowa State ASAP. Dogs who have been diagnosed with SARDS for 2 months or more generally will not be able to receive the IVIg because their retinal degeneration is too advanced. The sooner a dog diagnosed with SARDS is treated, the better his or her chances are for this therapy to work and restore vision.
The condition of the retina in dogs with SARDS is determined by an optical coherence tomography scan. Iowa State University’s Veterinary Medicine Hospital is the only veterinary facility in the US currently using this advanced diagnostic technology.
The cost is quite reasonable all things considered. Diagnosis is $700.00 dollars. If the dog is deemed to be a good candidate for treatment, hospitalization and intensive care fees cost approximately$1,200.00 dollars. The immunoglobulin runs between $35-40 per pound of the dog’s body weight.
The one factor still to be determined is just how long the treatment lasts. At this point Grozdanic and his team are not sure and believe it could last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Pet owners with dogs showing any any signs of vision loss should be sure to see a veterinary eye specialist technically referred to an ophthalmologist ASAP. If SARDS is suspected and/or diagnosed in your dog, call Iowa State immediately so your dog has the very best chance of having his eye sight and vision restored.
Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest anti-aging pet health news, tips and information for your dogs and cats.
Holistic veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations. Contact Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your dog or cat.
July 19th, 2010 at 12:06 am
Can you advise where you obtained this information about SARDS?
Your posting states the following:
“This is the first time that blindness in dogs caused by SARDS has been reversed successfully and all with just a few injections performed for a nominal fee. The treatment restored sight to two dogs that were treated this April, 2010.”
Were there announcements regarding SARDs treatment this year?
Thank you.
Jay
July 21st, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Dr. Carol,
My cat has been on Vetsulin so far without problems. I have been told that Prozinc is a good replacement and it is still a U 40 insulin which she is used to. Beside the fact that it is more expensive than the U 100 insulin you spoke of is it OK.
Thanks,
Maxie’s Mom
July 21st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Hi Maxies Mom,
My strong recommendation is the Glargine, also called Detimir, rather than the Prozinc.
Glargine insulin is 100IU not 40 IU. With respect to your statement “your cat is used to U40″, please understand that whether you use U40 or U100 this
really has no significance medically for your cat at all. You would need to buy U100 syringes and in the long run you will also save money.
Remember that insulin units refer to the strength of the insulin. Dosages are calculated according to body weight and blood glucose
levels as with the U40 insulin.
I am glad to discuss. Please feel free to call our office toll free at 1-866-372-2765.
Best Wishes
Dr Carol
July 21st, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Hi Jay,
According to a press release just issued by Iowa State University, the 2 dogs both successfully treated for SARDS, with restoration of vision, occurred
this past April, 2010.
Their release also stated that they did not know how long the dogs newly restored vision would last,
but thought it might be anywhere from months to years.
I am aware of the earlier report about the SARDS dog therapy performed in 2007,
but was not able to verify thats dogs long term outcome.
I have to assume the dog’s therapy from 2007 encountered a downfall which is why the new release stated that this marked the
1st successful SARDS treatment for dogs in history.
I am available toll free at 1-866-372-2765 and glad to discuss.
Thank you
Dr Carol
August 19th, 2010 at 2:18 am
I stumbled upon this because my little dog is sick and nobody knows why. I am encouraged as to what I have learned here and will read on, Its a beautiful blog, thank you
August 26th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Dear Dr. Osborne,
My labrador retriever was recently diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This was done by an opthamalogist. He looked at his eyes with different instruments. My dog began losing night vision, and the vet believes his vision will be gone completely gone within the year.
I have two questions. Is it possible that my dog could have SARDS. Is PRA treatable with the shot therapy you speak of here.
Sincerely, Patsy
September 6th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Hi Patsy
From your description, it sounds like PRA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is the correct diagnosis, not SARDS for your dog.
There is treatment available for both PRA and SARDS, however they are different.
You might look at the Eye Essentials product available at http://www.drcarol.com.
The eye essentials product is natural, herbal and excellent. It would be very helpful for your dog’s PRA.
I am available to help further, please feel free to call us toll free at 866 372 2765
Thank you
Dr Carol
September 20th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Dr. Carol,
I have a 8 year old dashchund who is fast losing his eyesight. Chandlers has also been unable to lose weight-he is at 34 pounds, not really fat but solid. He is really shedding hair as well. My regular vet passed away so I tried a new vet with Chandler, the man was rude and uncaring to say the least. He did shine a light into both of Chandler’s eyes, said no cataracts, no fogging, he didn’t have a clue to go see a Veterinary Ophthalmology Services. Which we will do on Wed. Can you tell me what to look for with this Vet on Wed? What test should he do? Thank you for any help.
September 20th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Hi Cindy
I am sorry to hear about your dogs eye problems and glad to help. It is critical to differentiate between SARDS and other canine eye problems.
Treatment for Canine SARDS with IVIG injections, available at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is possible within 60 days of the initial diagnosis.
Other eye conditions may or may not be an issue. Consider seeing a Board Certified Veterinary Eye Specialist who will be able to give you an exact diagnosis.
I do carry an excellent natural herbal eye product called Eye Essentials available at http://www.drcarol.com which are very good you might look at.
If I can be of help feel free to call my office toll free at 1-866-372-2765.
Best Wishes
Dr Carol