I'm new to the group. I'm the proud dad of a 10+ year old German Shorthaired Pointer, named Megan. Megan is the epitomy of a healthy, playful, fun family dog. He level of drive peaked at age one and had never relented. She is one of the best dogs I have ever met.

Yesterday, that all changed. I am not sure of the extent of the change at this point, because Megan had a sudden onset of blindness. Literally, yesterday morning, she was fine. Then by the middle of the day, she couldn't walk up my stairs and she was bumping into walls and furniture. My wife and I thought she had some type of stroke or seizure, because of how drastically her behavior changed.

We ventured out into the blizzard that was going on, and drove the hour and a half to the emergency vet. We spent the better portion of the night there, with virtually NO answer to what was going on. This morning, we contacted Meg's regular Vet and had her seen again.

She was diagnosed with a little known disease called SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome) to which there is no real treatment for.

I am trying to learn as much about this as I could, but information is so broad. We have an appointment with a canine ophthalmologist to do further exams.

My wife and I are still trying to wrap our heads around this. If you know of any websites or information regarding this, I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you in advance and have a great holiday.

Wayne

[Yogi]

Here is some information to that may help. Sorry to hear of the situation. I have a blind dog currently and have had several in the past. Given time, they do adjust far better than humans. Mine have come around quickly and so long as furniture in the house has not been moved surprisingly are able to remember where things are. My current one is able to jump down from the couch, navigate to the water bowl when she wants to drink. Can navigate the back yard and comes in and navigates through the house to back to her favorite place on the couch. Just be patient and good luck.
DIAGNOSTIC OPHTHALMOLOGY
Sudden acquired retinal degeneration and immune-mediated retinopathy in dogs - by Leonard Konis - Helium
Animal Pharm World Animal Health & Nutrition News :: Possible treatment for SARDS in dogs

Unfortunately, last night, Meg began to have seizures. Her condition rapidly declined, she was walking in circles, high stepping and very lethargic. Her Vet strongly believes she may have a brain tumor, which is causing her neurological symptoms. I unfortunately didn't have the resources to investigate this and with the advice of the Vet, Meg was sadly put to sleep at 11:30 this morning.

My wife and I are so distraught right now and Meg will be very very sorely missed. She was the best dog that I have had the privilege to know! Take care everyone and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!

Wayne

[Yogi]

I am deeply sorry for your loss and I mean this from the heart. I have been breeding, raising and rescuing dogs for better than 48 years now. I have unfortunately also have lost dogs to brain tumors and found myself having to tell a person on another forum when they described the symptoms that this was likely in their dog. They also after having an mri done were told the same as you folks. Losing a family member and loved one is not nor ever will be easy by any stretch and there is not a day that goes by I do not have thoughts of the ones I have lost. I would say that time heals all wounds as the saying goes but in truth, I personally never wanted it to go away completely in fear that I would totally forget. I have learned to keep a special place in my heart that I can open and remember with as needed. It is a good place and contains a treasure of memories. Where your little one has gone is a great place and I believe this truly, and in time as I expect to do, I can only see the same for you when you can reunite with Meg. Godspeed.

I also am sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a pet is always painful, but even more so the ones that have been a part of our lives for such a long time, that it is difficult to remember a time before they came along. My heart mourns with you.

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Its always hard having to make that decision, try and remember the good times. Even though it dosent seem like it now the pain of your loss will ease with time.

Megsdad, I'm really sorry for your loss.