Congenital Stationary Night Blindness
This condition is named for the poor vision affected dogs experience in dim light (nyctalopia), though in severe cases it can progress to full blindness. Affected dogs also have abnormalities of the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium, the heavily pigmented tissue that nourishes and protects the retina.
-
Signs and symptoms
Puppies with night blindness often appear normal during the day, but will run into walls and other objects at night. As the disease progresses, day vision can also be impacted and lead to complete blindness.
Night vision loss is first reported in puppies (6 weeks of age), but does not become detectable on ophthalmic exam until 2-3 years. -
Diagnosis
Veterinarians perform a complete ocular exam and notice brown patches over the retina (back of the eye).
-
Treatment
Currently, there is no treatment for night blindness.
-
What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Keeping lights on at night to help your dog navigate is one of the best things you can do at home.
- If you notice your dog's day vision becoming impacted, keep furniture in the same location and keep your dog on a leash in unfamiliar areas.
- Teach your dog verbal commands for better communication.
-
Genetic Information
This mutation was first described in the Swedish Briard.
This mutation is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; that is, a dog requires two copies of the mutation to show signs of the disease.
Gene names:
RPE65 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
-
Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
Learn about your dog’s unique genetic health
Dog owners
Breed identification, health and trait insights, personalized care recommendations, and the world’s first canine relative finder—all in one leading dog DNA test.
Learn about the report for dog ownersShop the test
Breeding programs
Embark’s test for breeding programs is one comprehensive DNA test designed with your needs in mind.
Learn about the report for breedersShop the test
