Leo, 10 yr old doxy - Sudden blindness; testing for Cushing's

[jonip]

My sweet Leo has just suddenly gone completely blind. It happened over a couple of weeks. Since he has had back issues I thought that was why he would not go down the three steps to get in the yard. Leo has had health issues all his life. He had pancreatitis at two years of age and is on ID food/low fat diet. He has also shown massive water drinking and dilute large quantity urine which was worse at different times in his life. The vet seemed to think he had psychotropic water drinking. He had 6-7 calcified disks in his back and has had two surgically repaired. He was not paralyzed from these although we were afraid he would be. In the last couple of days, I realized he is now completely blind. I am waiting for the blood test results today and I fully expect him to have Cushings. My greatest concern now is whether he will adjust to blindness or will continue to be anxious as he has the last two days. He is my sweet boy and I do not want him to be sad. He has brought such joy to me and he deserves to live a full life. He can't chase his ball now which was what he lived to do. If I could have some feedback I would appreciate it. His pupils are totally fixed and nonreactive to light. He seems to have no sight at all now. He is on a med to protect his liver (milk thistle + something else)

[labblab]

Hello and welcome to you and your sweet boy. I'm surely sorry for the problems that have brought you to us, but also really glad that you've found us.

As soon as you mentioned sudden blindness, my mind turns to the possible diagnosis of SARDS. It is a syndrome of unknown origin that causes sudden blindness in dogs, along with certain other symptoms that overlap with (and can be confused for) Cushing's, including excessive thirst, urination and hunger. One thing I am uncertain about is whether or not the dog's pupils become totally nonreactive to light with SARDS. However, if SARDS is suspected for Leo, it is possible that he does indeed also have Cushing's, but it is also possible that the diagnostic blood tests for conventional Cushing's may be negative. Of course, it is also possible that his blindness has not been caused by SARDS, but instead by some other issue which may or may not be Cushing's-related (e.g., high blood pressure leading to retinal bleeding, etc.).

Can you tell us more about the other symptoms that are leading you to test Leo for Cushing's? Also, SARDS can be ruled in or out by an eye examination conducted by a vision specialist. So I don't know how extensive Leo's eye diagnostics have been so far.

Regardless of the cause of blindness, I surely understand why you are feeling so worried and protective of your little boy. We do have members with dogs who have gone blind for a variety of reasons, and I'm hopeful they will be stopping by to give you some tips. Also, in the event that Leo might indeed have SARDS, here's a reply that I posted some time ago to another member. I'm hopeful it will make you feel better about Leo's future, regardless.


Also, I just came across this 2013 article from the Journal of the American Veterinary Association that I found to be very interesting, and you may, too.

Long-term outcome of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome in dogs (http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.243.10.1426)

100 dogs with SARDS were examined at five different vet schools between 2005 and 2010, and these were the main results.


Results—Age at diagnosis was significantly correlated with positive outcome measures; dogs in which SARDS was diagnosed at a younger age were more likely to have alleged partial vision and higher owner-perceived quality of life. Polyphagia was the only associated systemic sign found to increase in severity over time. Medical treatment was attempted in 22% of dogs; visual improvement was not detected in any. Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported an improved relationship with their dog after diagnosis, and 95% indicated they would discourage euthanasia of dogs with SARDS.
Although some pieces were discouraging: medical treatment did not improve vision for any dogs, and the other overt symptoms did tend to persist over time. But excessive hunger was the only systemic symptom that increased, and I found it very interesting that so many owners reported an improved relationship with their dogs afterwards, and the overwhelming majority -- 95% -- did not perceive SARDS to be a reason for euthanasia. I found that to be a very positive indicator of quality of life after diagnosis.

Here is another article that summarizes this research in much greater detail. Once again, I felt as though the overall conclusions were quite positive.

http://speakingforspot.com/blog/2014/07/13/sudden-acquired-retinal-degeneration-syndrome-sards/

Please do let us know how your further testing turns out. Plus, we also have members here whose dogs have gone blind for other reasons, and they have great suggestions for ways to help your dog adapt. I hope they will soon be stopping by to greet you.

Marianne

I see I've already written a book here, so I'll stop for now! But once again, welcome to you and Leo, and we'll be very interested to read any additional info you care to share with us.

Marianne

[labblab]

P.S. I also took the liberty of adding some words to your thread title in order to highlight Leo's blindness. I'm hoping that will lead other parents of blind babies to stop by here.

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum. SARDS is definitely a possibility. If you gave a vet ER near you they might have a doggie ophamologist on staff that can look at his eyes. My dog went from clear eyes to cloudy in no time it seems and it turned out to be retinal bleeds causing scarring caused by high blood pressure. Along with protein loss in kidneys and her urine is now getting more dilute.
It sounds like there good be a detachment of the retina even but really I would want a spcialist to see him if possible.
I use sound for many things now. Tapping to play chase. Toys with sounds. One the blind dog Facebook group they suggest a ball that has like bells in it.
All of this takes time as the anxiety is very real at first. I don't let Molly do stairs in our house at all but she knows where the outside ones are and I walk her on a harness so she can stop before the step and I give her a lift if at any point she falters.
Rugs are good with textures so they know where they are too. And never move the furniture. My only runs through the house now like a crazy thing and no fear. It just takes time

[jonip]

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I know this will take some time to adjust. I did hear from the blood work today. Leo's liver enzymes were very elevated. They will retest again in 6 weeks to see if they go down when the steroid is out of his system. He also has hypothyroidism and will start on meds tonight. The doctor did say that the blindness is not reversible in her opinion. I guess we will adjust to this new normal. I just want my precious little guy to be happy and right now he is very anxious. Thanks again. Joni

[labblab]

So is Leo taking a supplemental steroid for some reason? It's true that you definitely cannot test for naturally-occurring Cushing's if a dog is taking supplemental steroids...

Marianne