Centronuclear Myopathy, CNM

Signs include muscle weakness, wasting, and loss of muscle control leading to difficulty walking, eating and even breathing.

While abnormal tendon reflexes can be observed as early as 1 month, the symptoms of exercise intolerance and weight loss can be observed by 2 to 4 months of age.

Genetic testing, clinical signs, and muscle biopsy can be used to diagnose this disorder.

There is no treatment for CNM, and most owners opt for euthanasia due to poor quality of life.

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

Signs such as exercise intolerance, stiffness, or weakness may appear early in life and can progress gradually.

Keep your dog’s environment calm and safe with good traction to prevent slipping and injury.

Gentle, low-impact activity and supportive care can help maintain muscle strength and comfort over time.

This mutation was first described in Labrador Retrievers.

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

PTPLA

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Muscular

Citations

1. Pele et al 2005

• English Labrador Retriever
• Labrador Retriever