Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2D
This form of muscular dystrophy affects muscles around the shoulders and hips and typically begins in young adult dogs. Signs can vary and may include muscle weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, and difficulty swallowing.
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Signs and symptoms
Clinical signs include exercise intolerance, progressive weakness, a stiff gait, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Some animals may appear clinically unaffected, and the condition is suspected based on “incidental” blood work findings.
This condition is likely present from birth, but you may not observe signs until the dog is 7-17 months of age. -
Diagnosis
Genetic testing, clinical signs, and muscle biopsy can be used to diagnose LGMD. Your vet may perform specific blood tests on the basis of this result.
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Treatment
At this time, care is only able to help with symptoms, and recommendations vary based on the clinical severity of the disease.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- 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.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first identified in Miniature Dachshunds.
This variant has an autosomal recessive inheritance, meaning that dogs must have two copies of the variant in order to show clinical signs of LGMD from it.
Gene names:
SGCA Exon 3 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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