Lundehund Syndrome

Affected dogs will have moderate to severe clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss. Fluid retention in the legs (edema) and fluid in the abdomen (ascites) can also be seen.

Signs can first appear in a wide range of ages - from approximately 2 to 10 years of age.

Genetic testing, blood work, abdominal ultrasound, and surgical biopsy are all used to diagnose this condition.

At this time, treatment is symptomatic. In very severe cases with a poor response to therapy, euthanasia is considered.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s Lundehund syndrome result so you can plan an appropriate diet and regular monitoring.

Follow your vet’s nutritional recommendations closely, as special diets can help manage digestive symptoms and nutrient absorption.

Watch for signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or loss of appetite, and contact your vet if you notice these.

With consistent care and monitoring, many dogs with this condition can live relatively normal, comfortable lives.

This mutation was first described in Norwegian Lundehunds.

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

LEPREL1

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Gastrointestinal

Citations

1. Metzger et al, 2016

• Norwegian Lundehund