Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy in Dogs

Category: Eye
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 4

Overview

Patchy damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, marks this inherited retinal disease. Early changes may be visible during an eye examination before the dog has noticeable vision problems. As the retina thins, night vision may worsen, followed by daytime vision in advanced cases. Progression varies greatly, and some dogs remain at an early stage for years.

Signs to watch for

No noticeable vision change in the earliest stage.
Difficulty seeing at night as disease progresses.
Reduced daytime sight in advanced disease.

Retinal changes often appear around 2 to 3 years, before obvious vision loss.

When to get help Book a vet visit when you notice changes in your dog's vision.

Diagnosis and tests

A veterinary eye specialist looks for patchy discoloration and thinning of the retina. An electroretinogram measures the retinal response to light and can reveal reduced function. A DNA test is available for this condition. Retinal changes can be present before obvious vision loss.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Small

Swedish VallhundSmall · Herding Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
Swedish Vallhund
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.