Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
There are many forms of muscular dystrophy in dogs, but they are all characterized by weakness and muscle wasting. In this form of the condition, affected dogs do not have laminin a2, which helps stabilize muscle fibers.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected dogs are weak and exercise intolerant. They have a poor appetite, can regurgitate, and are underweight. They tend to be smaller than their littermates and have an abnormal gait. Abnormal breathing has been reported in other forms of muscular dystrophy.
Signs of this condition are first noticed around 8 weeks of age. -
Diagnosis
Genetic testing, clinical signs, and muscle biopsy can be used to diagnose this disorder.
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Treatment
There is currently no treatment for this form of muscular dystrophy.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- The only actions you can take at home are to keep your affected dog comfortable, restrict exercise, and give it the best quality of life possible.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first described in the Italian Greyhound.
This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of muscular dystrophy.
Gene names:
LAMA2 Exon 23 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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