Retinal Degeneration - YorkieTalk.com Forums

reko19 · 10-24-2023, 05:47 AM

Hi everyone. My little girl is 13 years old, recently I noticed that her vision is deteriorating especially in the low light conditions. Took her to a specialist, the diagnosis is "diffuse retinal degeneration, progressive rental atrophy". Was told nothing could be done, only matter of time with an estimate of 1-3 years for her to completely loose her eyesight. Was told to give her Ocu-GLO to potentially slow down the process. She is very healthy otherwise, I was wondering if there is anything else I could try. I am no expert, but looking on line few things came up:

Gene Therapy: Gene therapy aims to replace or repair the defective genes responsible for PRA. This experimental approach is being investigated in clinical trials for various genetic eye conditions. It involves introducing functional copies of the defective genes into the affected retinas.

Stem Cell Therapy: Experimental stem cell therapies are being explored for their potential to regenerate or repair damaged retinal cells. These treatments are still in the early stages of development.

Optogenetics: This is an experimental technique that involves introducing light-sensitive proteins into retinal cells to make them responsive to light. While it is more applicable to inherited retinal conditions in humans, it may have potential applications for dogs with PRA.

Any recommendations will be appreciated, breaks my heart.

Thank you.

ladyjane · 10-26-2023, 03:31 PM

Perhaps you should contact the specialist you saw and ask if any of these treatments might help.

I honestly don't have any suggestions.

I wish you and your pup the best.

reko19 · 10-27-2023, 04:55 AM

spoke with the specialist, he dismissed everything I suggested, looks like it is a one way street for Tootsie...

ladyjane · 10-27-2023, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reko19

spoke with the specialist, he dismissed everything I suggested, looks like it is a one way street for Tootsie...

And, she is older now, so you really don't want to put her through too much. She will adjust and it is going to be over time so that will be easier for her.

Please keep us posted! BTW I LOVE her name!! I named a foster pup I had years ago, Tootsie.

reko19 · 10-28-2023, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

And, she is older now, so you really don't want to put her through too much. She will adjust and it is going to be over time so that will be easier for her.

Please keep us posted! BTW I LOVE her name!! I named a foster pup I had years ago, Tootsie.

Thank you and will do.

matese · 11-06-2023, 01:55 PM

I can't offer any help, just want to wish you and Tootsie all the best

10-24-2023, 05:47 AM	#1
reko19 Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: new york Posts: 24	Retinal Degeneration Hi everyone. My little girl is 13 years old, recently I noticed that her vision is deteriorating especially in the low light conditions. Took her to a specialist, the diagnosis is "diffuse retinal degeneration, progressive rental atrophy". Was told nothing could be done, only matter of time with an estimate of 1-3 years for her to completely loose her eyesight. Was told to give her Ocu-GLO to potentially slow down the process. She is very healthy otherwise, I was wondering if there is anything else I could try. I am no expert, but looking on line few things came up: Gene Therapy: Gene therapy aims to replace or repair the defective genes responsible for PRA. This experimental approach is being investigated in clinical trials for various genetic eye conditions. It involves introducing functional copies of the defective genes into the affected retinas. Stem Cell Therapy: Experimental stem cell therapies are being explored for their potential to regenerate or repair damaged retinal cells. These treatments are still in the early stages of development. Optogenetics: This is an experimental technique that involves introducing light-sensitive proteins into retinal cells to make them responsive to light. While it is more applicable to inherited retinal conditions in humans, it may have potential applications for dogs with PRA. Any recommendations will be appreciated, breaks my heart. Thank you.

10-26-2023, 03:31 PM	#2
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,466	Perhaps you should contact the specialist you saw and ask if any of these treatments might help. I honestly don't have any suggestions. I wish you and your pup the best. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

11-06-2023, 01:55 PM	#6
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 68,183	I can't offer any help, just want to wish you and Tootsie all the best __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

10-27-2023, 04:55 AM	#3
reko19 Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: new york Posts: 24	spoke with the specialist, he dismissed everything I suggested, looks like it is a one way street for Tootsie...