Well, we went to the Opthamologist today and it was confirmed that Franklin does indeed have Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome, otherwise known as SARDS. This is something that results in complete vision loss over a few days to a few weeks. It is more common in small breed female dogs, but can happen in any breed, even mixed breeds. It is more common to happen to a middle aged to older dog, and more often in a dog who is overweight. There are about 4000 cases found in the US each year and is more often in dogs who have been prone to food and skin allergies.
More than 90% of the time, it is completely irreversible and untreatable, but there are a few cases that it can be caused by an auto immune that attacks to retina. With steroid and antibiotic treatment it is SOMETIMES fixed, so we have decided to give it a try. I feel that I have to at least try to do something to help my sweet boy out.
From what the doctor has said, SARDS is not at all painful, and it really the best case scenario for Franklin. In time, we will all learn to adjust to this.
As for Franklin, he seems to be doing well with all of it. He is really moving well around the house. We're working on teaching the boys they can not leave toys laying around or Franklin will trip over them. Franklin has even tripped on the boys a few times if they are laying around the house! He's following the cat bell and light snapping very well. The other mourning, I woke up before all the kids, and I heard Parker coming down the steps with Franklin saying, "Step, Step" assisting him on his way down.
We've been leaving music on for him if we are going to be gone and that has really helped him to not panic with the dark silence. We also got him a special scarf he wears to let people know he's blind so they do not scare him when they approach him and some "Doggles" to protect his eyes from twigs and branches if we are out on walks. The boys are so sweet with him and make sure to ask him before they pet, hug, or kiss him.
Everyday, I seem to notice a little more positive change in my sweet Franklin, and I know that we will learn to live with this for a LONG time!
