Muscular Dystrophy

This is a progressive muscle disease characterized by non-painful muscle weakness and wasting, especially over their back and legs. Dogs eventually have difficulty walking, swallowing, and breathing.

Signs are often first apparent at 1-3 months of age.

Genetic testing, clinical signs, and muscle biopsy can be used to diagnose this disorder.

Current treatments for muscular dystrophy include steroid treatment, which can slow the progression of the disease, but there is currently no cure. However, much research has gone into gene therapy: researchers have recently demonstrated that supplementing the defective dystrophin gene of a dog with MD with a new, smaller form of dystrophin (known as microdystrophin) can fully substitute for full-sized dystrophin.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s muscular dystrophy result so you can plan appropriate monitoring and care.

Signs such as muscle weakness, stiffness, or difficulty walking may appear early in life and can progress over time.

Keep your dog’s environment calm and free from slippery surfaces to help them move safely and prevent falls.

As this condition can worsen gradually, gentle exercise, supportive care, and a predictable routine can help maintain your dog’s comfort and mobility.

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

Penetrance: Because MD is inherited in a recessive manner and dystrophin is located on the X chromosome, males are twice as likely as females to exhibit the disease.

Gene

DMD

Inheritance type

X-linked recessive

Clinical category

Muscular

Citations

1. Walmsley et al 2010
2. Shin et al 2013

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• English Toy Spaniel