Muscular Dystrophy
X-Linked
Muscular dystrophies are examples of degenerative myopathic conditions of both dogs and cats. These diseases are exemplified by an X-linked disease of golden retrievers and other breeds. In humans, this type of muscular dystrophy is referred to as Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. These disease processes result from gene-associated abnormalities of a muscle membrane protein (dystrophin).
Age of Onset: 6-9 weeks of age
Sex Predisposition: Males are more commonly affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may plateau after 6 months of progressive deterioration.
Clinical signs may plateau after 6 months of progressive deterioration.
Clinical Signs:
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Exercise intolerance
Posture and Appearance
Plantigrade stance
Kyphosis to lordosis
Failure to grow
Movement
Weakness
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
Exercise-intolerance
Proprioception
Normal proprioception but poor hopping response
Cranial Nerves
Enlargement of the base of the tongue
Inability to fully open the jaw (trismus)
Weak barking/dysphonia
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Hypersalivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Other
Mineralization of the tongue
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Exercise intolerance
Posture and Appearance
Plantigrade stance
Kyphosis to lordosis
Failure to grow
Movement
Weakness
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
Exercise-intolerance
Proprioception
Normal proprioception but poor hopping response
Cranial Nerves
Enlargement of the base of the tongue
Inability to fully open the jaw (trismus)
Weak barking/dysphonia
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Hypersalivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Other
Mineralization of the tongue
Diffuse neuromuscular disease
X-linked recessive mutation in the dystrophin gene
For breed specific genetic testing, follow the links below:
https://www.genimal.com/dna-tests/dog/muscular-dystrophy-in-brittany-spaniel-variant-2-dmd/
For breed specific genetic testing, follow the links below:
https://www.genimal.com/dna-tests/dog/muscular-dystrophy-in-brittany-spaniel-variant-2-dmd/
To read more about this disease click below:
Alpha2-laminin Deficiency
Muscular dystrophies are examples of degenerative myopathic conditions of both dogs and cats. These disease processes result from gene-associated abnormalities of a muscle membrane protein (dystrophin, sarcoglycan, or laminin).
Age of Onset: First 4 months of life
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may plateau after 6 months of progressive deterioration.
Clinical signs may plateau after 6 months of progressive deterioration.
Clinical Signs:
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Exercise intolerance
Posture and Appearance
Plantigrade stance
Kyphosis to lordosis
Failure to grow
Movement
Weakness
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
Exercise-intolerance
Proprioception
Normal proprioception but poor hopping response
Cranial Nerves
Enlargement of the base of the tongue
Inability to fully open the jaw (trismus)
Weak barking/dysphonia
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Hypersalivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Other
Mineralization of the tongue
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Exercise intolerance
Posture and Appearance
Plantigrade stance
Kyphosis to lordosis
Failure to grow
Movement
Weakness
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
Exercise-intolerance
Proprioception
Normal proprioception but poor hopping response
Cranial Nerves
Enlargement of the base of the tongue
Inability to fully open the jaw (trismus)
Weak barking/dysphonia
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Hypersalivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Other
Mineralization of the tongue
Diffuse neuromuscular disease
Autosomal recessive mutation in the alpha-2 laminin gene
To read more about this disease click below:
To read more about this disease click below:
