UC Davis Center for Equine Health

Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is the inability to see in low to no-light conditions (essentially dusk to dawn). It is found in horses with two copies of a specific white spotting pattern mutation known as leopard complex spotting (LP), which is characterized by a symmetrical white pattern centered over the rump with few or no spots of pigment in this white patterned area. This coat pattern is common in Appaloosas, Miniature Horses, Knabstruppers, Norikers, and some other breeds.

The disease is the result of abnormal cell signaling from the rods, or low light detecting cells of the retina, to the next cell in the visual pathway, known as the ON bipolar cells. In affected horses, the rods do not properly transmit their signal to the ON bipolar cell, resulting in blindness at night.

A genetic mutation has been identified that causes this condition in the Appaloosa and related breeds. The mutation is in a calcium ion channel gene known as transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 1 (TRPM1) gene, and a DNA test is available.

Additionally, a different genetic variant in the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (GRM6) gene was recently identified in a CSNB affected Tennessee Walking Horse. Although this was a single case, the frequency of the causative allele was determined to be ten percent in this breed, suggesting that genetic testing, followed by clinical examination, is warranted. This has been termed CSNB2 as it is the second variant thought to cause CSNB in horses (LP is the first).

Related: Horse Genome Revealed

There are other breeds affected by this condition and research is ongoing to identify the genetic mechanism in breeds such as the Paso Fino and Thoroughbred.

Clinical Signs

Congenital stationary night blindness is present at birth and is nonprogressive, meaning that it does not worsen with age. Affected horses likely have normal vision during daylight, unless also affected with other eye problems, such as cataracts or equine recurrent uveitis.

Horses with CSNB may exhibit anxiety, apprehension, and confusion in low light conditions. They may be reluctant to move, bump into things, or be prone to injury at night. They may also exhibit resistance to entering dark stalls, trailers, barns, and other dimly lit spaces.

Diagnosis

Electroretinography (ERG), which measures the electrical activity of retinal cells in response to light, can be used to diagnose CSNB. A veterinary ophthalmologist must perform this specialized procedure. The available DNA test for LP can be utilized for a definitive diagnosis at any age.

Treatment

There is no cure for CSNB, but many affected horses can be successfully managed. Horses with CSNB should be provided with a safe, comfortable, familiar location during the night. Stall lights should be kept on at night. For horses that live in pastures full-time, electric fencing that produces a clicking sound can be used to help them navigate and it is also recommended to place them with a seeing pasture-mate at night. Be sure to give affected horses sufficient time to adjust to new surroundings during daylight hours.

Prognosis

Horses with CSNB have vision ranging from reduced to none at night. It is not possible to tell by behaviour if they are night blind as horses respond differently to this condition. In some situations, these horses may be difficult to train. However, since affected horses generally see no differently than other horses during daylight hours, many can be used for riding or performance. Proper management under low light conditions is essential to ensure the safety of the horse and its handlers.

Related: Understanding Equine Vision and Eye Disease

Prevention

Breeders and owners can utilize the DNA test for LP to make informed mating decisions, and to manage those horses with two copies of LP that will be affected with CSNB. The CSNB2 genetic test is appropriate for Tennessee Walking Horses. At this time, it is recommended that horses testing CSNB2/CSNB2 also be evaluated by a veterinary ophthalmologist. 

Hair samples may be submitted for testing to the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

Photo: Horses with two copies of the leopard complex white spotting pattern allele have congenital stationary night blindness. This coat pattern is common among several breeds including the Danish Knabstrupper (shown). Credit: Shutterstock/Picsoftheday

Printed with the kind permission of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health. The UC Davis Center for Equine Health is dedicated to advancing the health, welfare, performance and veterinary care of horses through research, education and public service.