Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency, MCADD
Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD) affects the body's ability to break down certain fats for energy. This can lead to lethargy and seizures in affected dogs.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected dogs are often lethargic for long periods and may have seizures.
The age of diagnosis can vary, but signs typically first appear in young dogs.Uncover health risks with Embark
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Diagnosis
A combination of physical examination, blood tests, and genetic testing can be used to diagnose MCADD.
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Treatment
Treatment consists of frequent feeding of low-fat diets. Anti-convulsant therapy may be indicated in some cases.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s MCADD result so you can discuss a feeding schedule and diet that help prevent low blood sugar.
- Provide frequent, regular meals and avoid prolonged fasting, as affected dogs have trouble using fat for energy between meals.
- Keep a small, easily digestible snack on hand for times when meals may be delayed or if your dog seems weak or lethargic.
- If your dog shows signs of low energy, wobbliness, or collapse, offer a small meal or a bit of a sugar source like honey on the gums and contact your vet.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first described in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of MCADD.
Gene names:
ACADM ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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