Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy

What are the signs & symptoms that develop in affected dogs?

Symptoms include seizures, weakness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and partial or complete vision loss. Signs usually begin suddenly and can persist through the life of the dog; in some affected dogs, the disease comes and goes in episodes and dogs have periods of time where they are neurologically normal.

When do signs and symptoms develop?

This is a disease that first presents in the puppy or young adult age groups.

How do vets diagnose this condition?

It is important to note that many other neurological diseases have a similar patient presentation and diagnostic results. AHE is diagnosed based on patient history, pedigree information, brain imaging, and other diagnostic tests.

How is this condition treated?

There is no treatment for this disorder. Certain medications may be prescribed to control symptoms.

What actions should I take if my dog is affected?

• However, in the Alaskan Husky, a mutation in the SLC19A3 gene associates perfectly with the condition; testing for this mutation can help bring about diagnosis much faster.