Cases of Optic Nerve Hypoplasia in a Family of Miniature Dachshunds

Abstract

A 4-month-old, intact male, Miniature Dachshund was referred to us for evaluation of congenital blindness. The dog had reduced pupillary light reflexes and defective vision. The electroretinograms were normal, but small optic disks were present in both eyes. The dam and a littermate of this dog exhibited similar signs in the left eye. The sire was normal. These dogs were being raised as pets, so that pathological examination and genetic tests could not be performed, but the ophthalmological findings suggested the presence of inherited optic nerve hypoplasia.