Disease Ontology ID: DDTO:0000841

Disease Description: A condition where the optic nerve going from the eye to the brain is too small.

Inherit Mode: The mode of inheritance is unclear.

Disease Symptom: Depending on the degree of hypoplasia (underdevelopment), an eye may be partially or completely blind. Usually if only one eye is affected, your dog will compensate for the decreased vision to the point that you are unaware of any abnormality. You may notice that the pupils of your dog's eyes are different sizes - the pupil of the affected eye will be larger. If both eyes are affected, your dog will have some loss of sight or will be blind.

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: This condition is suspected when a dog is visually impaired from birth. Based on clinical and ophthalmoscopic examination, your veterinarian will determine if optic nerve hypoplasia is the cause. This condition must be distinguished from micropapilla, a normal variation of optic disc appearance where the disc is smaller but vision is normal.

Treat Method: There is no treatment. With their acute senses of smell and hearing, dogs can manage well despite reduced vision. You can help your visually impaired dog by developing regular routes for exercise, maintaining your dog's surroundings as consistently as possible, introducing any necessary changes gradually, and being patient.

Breeder Advice: Affected dogs and close relatives should not be used for breeding.

Disease Description Source: Link