Sudden acquired retinal degeneration in dogs: breed distribution of 495 canines

Abstract

As previously reported, SARD is most common in middle-aged to older dogs. Smaller dogs of less than 25 pounds appear overrepresented, while large/giant breed dogs of greater than 50 pounds are infrequently diagnosed. In this study, there was no statistical significance between female and male dogs.

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

“…1 SARDS is most frequently seen in middle aged/older females of small breeds, with mixed-breed dogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, and Miniature Schnauzers being the most frequently affected, which corresponds to our findings in this study. 2,3,24,25 Previous studies found a relatively high incidence of metabolic abnormalities, such as polyuria and polydipsia (38%, 2 30% 3 ), polyphagia (19%, 2 20% 3 ), and alkaline phosphatase elevation (37%, 2 28% 3 ), which was also in good accord with our findings in similar percentages. The most recent study of a Canadian patient population, however, revealed much higher incidence of metabolic abnormalities in SARDS patients.…”

“…Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome was first reported almost four decades ago; however, the precise etiology of the disease is still being extensively debated without a clear consensus on its exact nature . SARDS is most frequently seen in middle aged/older females of small breeds, with mixed‐breed dogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, and Miniature Schnauzers being the most frequently affected, which corresponds to our findings in this study . Previous studies found a relatively high incidence of metabolic abnormalities, such as polyuria and polydipsia (38%, 30%), polyphagia (19%, 20%), and alkaline phosphatase elevation (37%, 28%), which was also in good accord with our findings in similar percentages.…”

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 .…”

“…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 .…”

“…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 . A genetic predisposition for SARDS has not been documented and any breed can be affected, with the disease diagnosed most commonly in mixed‐breed dogs.…”