Musladin-Lueke Syndrome, MLS

skin & connective tissue

This condition causes abnormally strong connections between the structural proteins that provide strength and integrity to tissues like the skin and skeletal muscle, as well as the protective tissue sheaths of the bones and central nervous system.

  • Signs and symptoms

    Dogs with MLS typically come to the vet because of severely contracted joints that cause them to walk on their toes, rather than their paw pads. However, due to the effect of the mutation on internal connective tissues, some dogs can also experience seizures.

    Signs are often first recognized in puppies.

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  • Diagnosis

    Clinical signs, genetic testing, and biopsy can be used to diagnose this condition.

  • Treatment

    Unfortunately, there is no treatment for MLS. However, all but most severe cases can be managed with supportive care.

  • What to do if your dog is at risk

    Actions

    • Keeping your affected dog comfortable and giving them the best quality of life you can are the only actions you can take at home.

  • Genetic Information

    This mutation was first described in the Beagle.

    This mutation has an autosomal recessive inheritance, meaning that dogs must have two copies of the mutation in order to show clinical signs.

    Gene names:

    ADAMTSL2 (Exon 7) ‐ chr9

    Inheritance type:

    recessive

  • Breeds affected

    This health condition affects the following breeds

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