What is SARDs / IMR?
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDs) and Immune-Mediated Retinitis (IMR) are both auto-immune diseases. An auto-immune disease is a disease in which the body forms anti-bodies to attack its own cells. In the case of SARDs/IMR, the body produces antibodies that attack its own retinal cells, ultimately causing the onset of sudden blindness. • For SARDs, it is believed that retinal auto-antibodies are formed locally within the eye. • For IMR, it is believed that the retinal auto-antibodies are formed elsewhere in the body, and ultimately, through circulation, reach the eyes. Although SARDS and IMR can cause sudden blindness, studies have shown that it is also an indicator of potentially life-threatening systemic issues. Therefore, even though your veterinary ophthalmologist may not be able to restore vision to your canine, it does not mean you should ignore its systemic health. By better understanding SARDS and IMR, you may be better able to provide a healthy and long lif
