Bully Whippet Syndrome
A disease of muscle growth, affected dogs are heavily muscled and quite athletic. It arises from a mutation in the MSTN gene, which codes for myostatin, a protein with inhibitory effects on muscle growth. Mutations in myostatin have been reported in numerous species and breeds including Belgian Blue cattle, Texel sheep, and even humans! Dogs deficient in myostatin mirror other animal models: they are the natural bodybuilders of the animal world.
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Signs and symptoms
The double muscling is obvious when comparing an affected dog to a typical Whippet. Muscle cramping has been reported.
Signs develop in juvenile dogs. -
Diagnosis
Genetic testing and clinical signs can be used to diagnose this condition.
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Treatment
There is no treatment necessary for this condition.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Be aware of this condition if choosing to breed or show your Whippet.
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Genetic Information
This mutation was first described in the Whippet.
Dogs carrying two copies of the MSTN mutation are heavily muscled and, due to breed standards, are precluded from whippet races. However, carriers for the MSTN mutation are less heavily muscled and are known as "bully whippets." They meet breed standards and are often eligible to race, and can be argued to have a significant athletic advantage against their normally muscled competitors.
Gene names:
MSTN ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
codominant
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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