Elevations in Sex Hormones in Dogs With Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)

Abstract

Dogs diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) commonly are presented with concurrent clinical, physical, and historical findings consistent with hyperadreno-corticism (HAC) at the time of vision loss. Thirteen dogs diagnosed with SARDS on the basis of complete ophthalmic examination and extinguished bright-flash electroretinogram were evaluated for steroid hormonal abnormalities. Signalment, case history, physical examination, and clinicopathological findings were recorded. Serum cortisol and sex-hormone concentrations were measured before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. Clinical signs of HAC, systemic hypertension, and proteinuria were commonly found in dogs with SARDS. Elevations in one or more sex hormones were found in 11 (85%) of 13 dogs (95% confidence interval [CI] 65% to 100%); cortisol was elevated in nine (69%) of 13 dogs (95% CI 44% to 94%). A minority of dogs (three [23%] of 13; 95% CI 0.2% to 46%) exhibited only an increase in adrenal sex hormones. Only one dog had completely normal ACTH stimulation test results. Symptoms of HAC were associated with abnormal ACTH stimulation results. Routine ACTH stimulation testing to evaluate cortisol and sex hormones, blood pressure screening, and urinalysis are recommended in these animals.

Optical coherence tomography and molecular analysis of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) eyes suggests the immune‐mediated nature of retinal damage

“…The most recent study of a Canadian patient population, however, revealed much higher incidence of metabolic abnormalities in SARDS patients . This study confirmed relatively high incidence of proteinuria (45%) and systemic hypertension (21%) in SARDS patients, consistent with data from a previous study by Carter et al, and the most recent study by Leis et al, Radiography evaluation revealed presence of hepatomegaly in 21% of patients, which was somewhat higher than previously reported (12%) . Brain imaging did not find evidence of intracranial neoplasia, consistent with a previously published report …”

Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) – a review and proposed strategies toward a better understanding of pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and therapy

“…SARDS typically affects middle‐aged to elderly and often moderately overweight dogs . The reported mean or median ages of affected dogs range from 7 to 10 years . Between 60 and 90% of affected dogs are female; the majority of them are spayed .…”

Evaluation of retinal morphology of canine sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome using optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography

“…The typical signalment of dogs with SARDS is a middle aged to older, moderately overweight, mixed breed dog . Transient clinical signs including polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia are present in up to 85% of dogs diagnosed with SARDS . Additionally, up to 75% of dogs with SARDS have laboratory abnormalities .…”

“…[4][5][6][9][10][11] Transient clinical signs including polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia are present in up to 85% of dogs diagnosed with SARDS. 1,[4][5][6][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Additionally, up to 75% of dogs with SARDS have laboratory abnormalities. 1,[4][5][6][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Little is known about the pathogenesis of SARDS and although endocrine, [4][5][6]12,14 toxic, neoplastic 15 and immune mediated 6,16,17 causes have been explored, none of these are currently thought to be a direct cause.…”