Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (Briard)(CSNB)
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness · Briard Retinal Dystrophy · RPE65-associated night blindness · Kongenitale stationäre Nachtblindheit · Stationäre Nachtblindheit des Briards · Stationäre Nachtblindheit · Nyctalopia · RPE65-Defekt · Retinal Dystrophy · Retinale Dystrophie · RPE65-Dystrophie
What it is
This inherited eye condition affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It specifically impairs the rod cells, the photoreceptors responsible for vision in low-light environments. Because the condition is stationary, the visual impairment does not worsen over the dog's life, and daytime vision remains mostly normal.
How it presents
Symptoms are present from birth and typically become noticeable in puppyhood. Owners will observe their dog hesitating, bumping into obstacles, or showing fear and disorientation in dim light or darkness.
Treatment
There is no cure for this lifelong condition, but it is non-progressive and does not cause pain. Management focuses on keeping the dog safe in the dark, with lifetime veterinary support and diagnostic costs ranging from 100 to 500 EUR.
How it's tested
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.