β-Mannosidosis

Clinically, dogs present with signs consistent with nerve dysfunction. Affected dogs may have progressive stumbling, occasional falling, incoordination, weakness, and frequent regurgitation. The studied dog had masses that caused difficulty chewing. They showed signs of hypersalivation, bad breath, and pain.

The clinical signs of β-Mannosidosis vary depending on the species and specific variant. This variant was categorized in an already affected one-year-old rescue dog (from St. Kitts, West Indies), so the age of onset of clinical signs is unknown.

Genetic testing, clinical signs, history, and ruling out other causes with similar symptoms can be used to diagnose this disease. Advanced imaging (CT or MRI scan) and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may be performed to rule out other diseases.

Currently, there is no treatment for β-Mannosidosis. Care for an individual dog is mostly supportive at this time.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s beta-mannosidosis result so you can discuss what signs to monitor for and plan supportive care.

This condition affects the nervous system and can lead to weakness, mobility changes, or difficulty coordinating movement.

Use a sling or harness to assist with mobility and prevent falls, and make your home safe with soft bedding and non-slip flooring.

Provide calm routines and gentle activities, such as hiding treats or food puzzles, to keep your dog comfortable and engaged as the condition progresses.

This variant was first described in a mixed-breed dog.

Penetrance: This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of β-Mannosidosis.

Gene

MANBA Exon 16

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Metabolic

Citations

1. Bolfa et al., 2019.

• Mixed