Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency, MCADD

Affected dogs are often lethargic for long periods and may have seizures.

The age of diagnosis can vary, but signs typically first appear in young dogs.

A combination of physical examination, blood tests, and genetic testing can be used to diagnose MCADD.

Treatment consists of frequent feeding of low-fat diets. Anti-convulsant therapy may be indicated in some cases.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s MCADD result so you can discuss a feeding schedule and diet that help prevent low blood sugar.

Provide frequent, regular meals and avoid prolonged fasting, as affected dogs have trouble using fat for energy between meals.

Keep a small, easily digestible snack on hand for times when meals may be delayed or if your dog seems weak or lethargic.

If your dog shows signs of low energy, wobbliness, or collapse, offer a small meal or a bit of a sugar source like honey on the gums and contact your vet.

This variant was first described in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

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

Gene

ACADM

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Metabolic

Citations

1. Christen et al 2022

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel