Methemoglobinemia

Your dog may have a rapid respiratory rate, blue gums, and have exercise intolerance.

Signs often first appear with a concurrent disease, such as a respiratory infection, that causes affected dogs to decompensate.

Genetic and laboratory testing can be used to diagnose this condition. Please note that there are also toxins that can cause this condition.

Methylene blue can be administered to control the clinical signs, however, this is not a cure and is a long term therapy. Treatment of concurrent infections or inflammation is also recommended.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s methemoglobinemia result, as it may influence their choice of medications or anesthesia.

Most dogs with this result do not show symptoms, but some may be more sensitive to certain drugs or oxygen-related stress.

Watch for signs of breathing difficulty, fatigue, or bluish gums, and contact your vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has a respiratory infection or any condition that affects oxygen levels.

This disease was first described in a mixed breed dog.

Penetrance: This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must have two copies of the mutation to be affected.

Gene

CYB5R3

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Hematologic

Citations

1. Jaffey et al 2017

• Pomeranian