Cardiomyopathy and Juvenile Mortality

Signs include vomiting, difficulty breathing, pale gum color, twitching/seizures, and sudden death.

Signs are often first noted at 6-8 weeks of age.

Genetic testing and clinical signs can be used to diagnose this condition.

There is no treatment for this disorder.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s cardiomyopathy and juvenile mortality result so you can plan appropriate monitoring and care.

Signs such as weakness, difficulty breathing, or collapse may appear early in life and can worsen quickly.

Focus on keeping your puppy comfortable in a calm environment and avoid strenuous activity.

This condition is severe and often rapidly progressive, but providing comfort and stability can help maintain your puppy’s well-being.

This mutation was first described in the Belgian Shepherd.

Penetrance: This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.

Gene

YARS2

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Cardiac

Citations

1. Gurtner et al 2020

• Belgian Laekenois
• Belgian Malinois
• Belgian Malinois - Working Line
• Belgian Sheepdog
• Belgian Sheepdog - Working Line
• Belgian Shepherd
• Belgian Tervuren
• Belgian Tervuren - Working Line