Canine Congenital Stationary Night Blindness

General Information: Canine Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) is an inherited vision disorder caused by a mutation in the LRIT3 gene. This condition primarily affects the ability of dogs to see in low-light or dark environments. The disorder results from an abnormality in the function of retinal cells that are responsible for night vision. CSNB is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to be affected. Dogs with only one copy of the mutation are carriers and do not show symptoms of the disease. Symptoms typically include difficulty navigating in dim or dark areas, though daytime vision remains unaffected. While CSNB does not cause pain or lead to complete blindness, it can impact the dog's quality of life in low-light conditions. There is no specific treatment for this condition; however, management strategies include ensuring a safe environment, especially during nighttime activities.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variants Detected: Dog Likely Affected

One Variant Detected: Dog is a Carrier (No Symptoms)

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing for the LRIT3 gene mutation can determine a dog's risk of being affected by Canine Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB). This disorder is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene to show symptoms. Dogs with one copy are carriers and will not develop the condition but can pass the mutation to their offspring. Genetic testing is critical for responsible breeding practices, as breeding two carriers has a 25% chance of producing affected offspring. Testing allows breeders to make informed decisions to reduce the prevalence of this condition.