A SARDS Update and Reality Check
Posted on July 5th, 2016Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS), is occurring, all over the world.
I have been consulting for pet owners and veterinarians from Europe, Asia, Mexico, South America, South Africa, Australia and several other countries.
SARDS has become a worldwide problem that can be properly identified and treated.
SARDS is an autoimmune disease that needs to be corrected immediately, for sight to return, but even more important than sight return, is the fact that SARDS needs to be corrected, in order to help reduce the chances of developing, other autoimmune diseases and cancer.
SARDS may develop in older canines and in certain breeds, however I have seen SARDS develop in younger canines and in many different types of breeds.
There are many different theories why SARDS develops, which includes genetics, vaccines, anesthesia, trauma, radiation, monthly insect repellents etc.
I personally have seen a number of canines have their SARDS triggered, after being exposed to a heartworm chemical, called Ivermectin.
I have also seen many canines that have exhibited signs of different allergies, that can develop into an autoimmune disease, like SARDS, and others.
Diagnosing and treating a SARDS canine, must be done as quickly as possible.
Many of the difficulties in diagnosing SARDS, is due to the following;
- How well the canine adapts to their vision loss.
- How soon the canine’s owner, recognizes the fact, that that their pet has lost their vision.
- How soon the veterinarian diagnosis, the canine’s SARDS,
- How quickly proper therapy for SARDS is begun.
The first step in diagnosing SARDS, is to go to a veterinary ophthalmologist that will perform an electroretinogram, referred to as an EKG.
The EKG must be performed as soon as possible, and if a veterinary ophthalmologist is over booked and cannot fit you in to perform the EKG for a week or two, please ask for a referral, where and when the EKG can be done sooner. It is imperative to have this done, before beginning therapy, in order to make sure your canine has SARDS and not some other ophthalmic disorder.
The second step, is to find a veterinarian that will perform the necessary tests to indicate the cause of the SARDS and also will identify the endocrine immune imbalances that can be treated.
The test that needs to be performed, is called an endocrine Immune test one, or EI1.
This is just one of my own test categories, that I have developed over the past 50 years.
Therefore, many different veterinary laboratories will have no idea, what and EI1 test is.
Unfortunately, at this time, there is only one veterinary laboratory in the United States, that offers this test. It is the National Veterinary Diagnostic Services.
Their location and contact number is listed on the internet.
The tests that need to be done, are as follows;
1) Total estrogen = adrenal estrogen. This a separate type of estrogen that is
different from the three ovarian estrogens, estradiol, estrone, and estriole, and
is normally not measured, in today’s medicine, for animals, or for humans.
2) Cortisol. Without measuring adrenal estrogen, the cortisol value cannot be
determined if it is functional, or non-functional. Therefore, an elevated cortisol
by itself, does not indicate if the cortisol is active and will not accurately
identify Cushing’s Syndrome.
3) T3 and T4. Please remember, these values maybe normal, but due to an
elevated adrenal estrogen, the T3 and T4 may not function. This, is a common
finding in humans, because the elevated adrenal estrogen will cause the
production of a Thyroid Binding Globulin (TBG).
For further information on this subject, please go to the internet with my name,
and The Vicious Estrogenic Cycle.
- Immunoglobulin (antibody) IgA, IgM and IgG. In canines, felines and equines, when the B Lymphocyte production is decreased, all the immunoglobulins will be decreased. In humans there are subgrouping of B Lymphocytes, which allows for different amount of antibody production, between IgA, IgM and IgG.
My studies have indicated in canines and felines, that the IgA level must be at 58mg/dL, or higher for absorption to occur with steroids and many different supplement, and in humans, that level is 68mg/dL.
Please remember this, because it is very important. When you are given replacement hormones and supplements, in order to help correct a SARDS canine, please make sure your veterinarian is aware of this IgA level, or much of what you may be giving your canine, will not be absorbed, and will not help correct, the SARDS.
- When administering food to your SARDS canine, please try to avoid, any foods that are high in phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) and xenoestrogens (chemical estrogen mimickers)
For further information on these and others subjects, please go to the
internet with my name, and type in;
. New Information with Quantities of Phytoestrogens in the Foods we Eat
and Feed Our Pets.
. Foods and Insect Chemicals to Avoid When Treating Atypical Cortisol
Estrogen Imbalance Syndrome.
. SARDS Corner.
Please be aware of the fact, that my clinical findings are not accepted by my profession, even though they have helped make a difference, for many SARDS canines.
To view and listen to the thoughts from many SARDS canine owners, please go to the internet and Facebook.com/CUREFORSARDBYDRPLECHNER.
You might also share with your veterinarian, this article that is on the internet with my name, which is, Successful Return of Vision in Canine SARDS Patients.
I am more than happy to work with you and your veterinarian, but if your veterinarian has no interest in working with me, please contact National Veterinary Diagnostic Services for a referral at jasonm@national-vet.com.
I hope this article helps you better understand SARDS, what it really is, and how to properly diagnose and treat a SARDS canine.
Sincerely,
Dr. AL Plechner
