Hypocatalasia, Acatalasemia

Most dogs show no clinical signs of this disease. Affected dogs can have oral ulcers and difficulty eating.

This condition is most often diagnosed in adulthood.

This condition is diagnosed through genetic testing. Oral disease can be diagnosed during a complete physical examination by your veterinarian. Some dogs require sedation for an oral exam due to pain.

No treatment is required unless mouth ulcerations are present. Ulcerations cause an increased susceptibility to oral infections, which must be monitored closely. Treatment options include regular dental care, judicious use of antibiotics, and soothing mouth sprays and rinses.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s hypocatalasia result so they can note it in your dog’s record.

Most dogs with this result stay healthy, but good dental hygiene can help prevent oral irritation or infection.

Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste, and schedule routine dental cleanings with your vet.

Monitor for signs of mouth discomfort, such as drooling, bad breath, or reluctance to eat, and contact your vet if you notice them.

This mutation was first identified in a Beagle.

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

Gene

CAT

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Metabolic

Citations

1. Nakamura et al 2000
2. Goth et al 2012
3. Donner et al 2016

• Beagle