Sensory Neuropathy

Affected dogs may have an uncoordinated gait (ataxia), chew on their lower extremities, paws that knuckle over, urinary incontinence, and regurgitation. They may lose their ability to feel normal pain sensations in their limbs.

Signs typically are first seen in puppies, usually between 2-7 months of age.

Genetic testing, laboratory tests, and advanced imaging may all be used to try and diagnose this disorder.

There is no treatment for this disorder. Affected dogs are often euthanized early due to poor quality of life.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s sensory neuropathy result so you can plan ongoing care and monitoring.

Watch for signs such as unsteady movement, excessive licking or chewing at the feet or legs, or injuries that don’t seem to cause discomfort, and contact your vet if you notice any of these.

Use protective coverings or an Elizabethan collar as recommended by your vet to prevent self-injury, and keep your dog’s environment safe and free from hazards.

This condition is severe and often progresses quickly, but your vet can help you provide comfort and support and discuss options to ensure your dog’s well-being.

This mutation was first described in the Border Collie.

Penetrance: This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.

Gene

FAM134B

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Neurologic

Citations

1. Forman et al 2016

• Border Collie