What does neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 8 look like in dogs?

Dogs with NCL8 often show early behavioural changes such as increased sensitivity to sound, loss of housetraining, or a decline in responsiveness to commands. Over time, symptoms worsen and may include mental dullness, compulsive behaviours, weakness, anxiety, aggression, loss of balance, blindness, and seizures. The disease progresses rapidly, and most affected dogs do not live beyond 2 years of age. Definitive diagnosis is available through DNA testing of the CLN8 gene. Getting your vet involved now is important. If you want to talk it through first, our vets can help you understand what questions to ask and what tests might be useful.