Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is best described as:

• A. A poorly understood disease seen in middle-aged to older dogs
• B. A hereditary retinal dystrophy in cats
• C. An acute infectious disease of the retina
• D. A transient vascular event in puppies

Answer: (A)

SARDS is described as a sudden loss of retinal function causing permanent blindness in dogs, and its exact cause remains poorly understood. It most commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs, and the vision loss happens abruptly rather than gradually. This distinguishes it from a hereditary retinal dystrophy in cats, which has a genetic basis and differs in species and pattern; from an acute infectious retinal disease, which would involve inflammation and systemic signs; and from a transient vascular event in puppies, which would not fit the typical age or the irreversible nature of the condition.