OPHTHALMOLOGY OBSERVATIONS

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration
Seth Koch, V.M.D., Dip, ACVO

Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration in the dog (SARD) have recently been reviewed in the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR Vol. 59 #2, Feb. 1998). There seems to be increasing evidence that apoptosis, defined as a gene-directed cellular process of individual cell death occurring without an inflammatory response, is responsible for the blindness associated with SARD. This condition is characterized by sudden visual loss concurrent with signs including polydypsia and polyphagia. Signs and laboratory findings are suggestive of Cushings disease, but provocative testing almost never is supportive of hyperadrenocorticism. Whether the apoptosis has external triggers remains unknown (eg., steroid hormones, viruses, toxins, etc.). Currently the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology is conducting an extensive survey among its members in an attempt to find a common thread to all cases that are seen.

Dr. Seth Koch and Dr. Bud Siemering were featured veterinarians in a nationally televised special produced by TBS on March 1 (to be repeated) entitled "The Hidden Zoo." The program presented live documented footage of veterinary services provided animals at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Surgical procedures on a giant panda and a kangaroo were filmed as they were performed by SouthPaws veterinarians and zoo staff veterinarians.