Nemaline Myopathy
Named for the thread-like inclusions seen on microscopic examination of affected muscle samples, Nemaline Myopathy (NM) causes generalized skeletal muscle weakness.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected dogs may show non-progressive generalized muscle weakness, decreased muscle tone (hypotonia), exercise intolerance, and tremors. Chronic cases can also present with lethargy, reduced appetite, abdominal distension, and muscle wasting.
Affected dogs may begin displaying signs as early as two months of age. -
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based on clinical history, physical examination, laboratory values, and genetic testing. Rod bodies in a skeletal muscle biopsy, elevated creatine kinase (CK) in serum, and changes to electromyography (EMG) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) testing results may be observed.
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Treatment
There is no cure for NM; all currently available treatments are symptomatic or supportive in nature.
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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.
- Slings can be used to assist with their mobility, and caution should be taken to avoid falling hazards.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first described in American Bulldogs.
Nemaline Myopathy is recessive, that is, a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of the disease from the variant.
Gene names:
NEB ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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