Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIA, GSD IIIA
Glycogen is the form in which our bodies store sugar: they are long, complex molecules that are primarily stored in the liver, heart, kidney, and muscle and are those tissues’ primary source of energy. In GSDs, glycogen accumulates to abnormal levels leading to enlargement and malfunction of these vital organs. Dogs with Type III GSD show milder signs as puppies including lower energy levels and poor weight gain.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected dogs have "failure to thrive" including poor growth, lethargy, and mildly low blood sugars. They may be exercise intolerant and experience episodes of collapse.
Signs appear around 14 months of age.Uncover health risks with Embark
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Diagnosis
Genetic and laboratory testing, including liver biopsy, are used to diagnose this disease.
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Treatment
There is no treatment except supportive care for the clinical signs the affected dog develops.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s glycogen storage disease type IIIA result so you can work together to plan ongoing care and monitoring.
- Schedule regular checkups and lab testing as recommended to monitor liver function and muscle health.
- Your vet may recommend a diet with steady energy foods that are moderate in complex carbohydrates and high-quality protein, along with frequent smaller meals to help maintain stable energy levels.
- Encourage light to moderate activity but avoid strenuous exercise or prolonged exertion, which may worsen fatigue or muscle weakness.
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Genetic Information
This mutation was first described in Curly Coated Retrievers.
This mutation is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; that is, a dog requires two copies of the mutation to show signs of the disease.
Gene names:
AGL (GDE) ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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