Nemaline Myopathy

Affected dogs may show non-progressive generalized muscle weakness, decreased muscle tone (hypotonia), exercise intolerance, and tremors. Chronic cases can also present with lethargy, reduced appetite, abdominal distension, and muscle wasting.

Affected dogs may begin displaying signs as early as two months of age.

Diagnosis is made based on clinical history, physical examination, laboratory values, and genetic testing. Rod bodies in a skeletal muscle biopsy, elevated creatine kinase (CK) in serum, and changes to electromyography (EMG) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) testing results may be observed.

There is no cure for NM; all currently available treatments are symptomatic or supportive in nature.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s nemaline myopathy result so you can plan appropriate monitoring and supportive care.

Provide a calm environment and use slings or harnesses to assist with mobility and prevent falls.

Soft bedding and nonslip flooring can help your dog rest comfortably and move around more safely.

Gentle, low-impact activities and predictable routines can help keep your dog engaged and maintain muscle strength as long as possible.

This variant was first described in American Bulldogs.

Penetrance: Nemaline Myopathy is recessive, that is, a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of the disease from the variant.

Gene

NEB

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Muscular

Citations

1. Evans et al 2016

• American Bully
• Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
• American Bulldog
• Olde English Bulldogge