Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, NAD
This group of diseases center around the neuronal axon, a specialized cellular structure that helps our nervous systems relay information across great distances. Remember: messages from the brain sometimes have to travel the entire length of your dog! Axons are the portion of the nervous system that transmit these messages quickly and reliably.
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Signs and symptoms
When axonal disease is present, affected animals show signs that are consistent with a delay between the brain and the body: sometimes they walk with an uncoordinated gait, or don't seem to know where their limbs are relative to the ground, leading to scuffing or dragging of the paws.
Signs develop in puppies. -
Diagnosis
Unless a genetic basis is suspected due to the age, breed, or history of the dog, diagnostics must be performed to rule out infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic causes.
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Treatment
There is no treatment for this disorder. Certain medications may be prescribed to control symptoms.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Keeping your affected puppy comfortable and giving them the best quality of life you can are the only actions you can take at home.
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Genetic Information
This mutation was first described in the Rottweiler.
This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.
Gene names:
VPS11 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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