What diagnostic tool is associated with a flatline result in SARDS?

A flatline result in SARDS, or Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome, is primarily associated with an Electroretinogram (ERG). The ERG is a diagnostic tool that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light stimuli, allowing veterinarians to assess the functional integrity of the retinal photoreceptors.

In the context of SARDS, the typical flatline ERG result indicates that the photoreceptor cells—specifically the rods and cones—are no longer functioning, despite the absence of changes in the fundus that would indicate retinal detachment or other mechanical issues. This loss of function aligns with the sudden onset of blindness observed in SARDS patients, differentiating it from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms but show different ERG responses.

Other diagnostic tools, such as CT scans, fundoscopy, and ultrasound, do not provide the same insights into retinal function. For example, while fundoscopy allows for visual inspection of the ocular structures, it may not reveal the underlying functional deficits evident in SARDS. CT scans and ultrasounds can help diagnose structural changes in the eye, but they will not detect the functional decline that is characteristic of SARDS as effectively as an ERG does. Thus, the role