I just learned another friend of mine now has a blind dog. I want to share what I have recently learned. I just bought Fluffy (my dog) a Halo Vest made by Halos for Paws. http://halosforpaws.com/
To give dogs mobility aid for blind dogs, The Halo Vest with attached bumper guard, helps blind dogs navigate their way around while not injuring themselves by bumping into objects they can’t see. This tried-and-true design has helped thousands of blind dogs improve their mobility indoors and outside. Please checkout the attached photos of my dog, Fluffy wearing her new Halo Vest.
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) in Dogs
Any breed is susceptible, but Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Pugs, Brittany Spaniels, Malteses, Bichon Frises, and mixed-breed dogs are particularly predisposed.
SARDS affects the thin-layered retinas which receive visual input and then transport this information to the brain via the optic nerve. In dogs with SARDS, the photoreceptors (rods and cones) and possibly the nerve fiber layers within the retinas undergo degenerative changes. The end result is complete blindness.
Symptoms of SARDS in dogs
All dogs with SARDS develop:
- Complete and permanent blindness over a rapid course (typically days to weeks)
- Stumbling
- Difficulty navigating at night
- A failure to track treats
During the weeks and months preceding their blindness, most SARDS-affected dogs also experience marked increases in appetite and/or thirst with subsequent weight gain and changes in urinary behavior.
I hope this information is of help?
