Cone Degeneration

Body function:

Eyes

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Cone degeneration is an inherited degenerative eye condition that causes day blindness. In German shorthaired pointers, cone degeneration is caused by a mutation of the CNGB3 gene. Cones in the dog’s retina typically degenerate between 2 and 3 months of age, progressing until the dog experiences total day blindness.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

German Shorthaired Pointer

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What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no cure for cone degeneration. Dogs with cone degeneration should be supported by eliminating bright light whenever possible and minimizing hazards. Reduce obstacles, block access to potentially dangerous areas, and increase supervision.

Symptoms

Dogs with cone degeneration start to show symptoms of worsening daytime eyesight between 2 and 3 months of age. Eyesight will become progressively worse, ultimately resulting in total day blindness.

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