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:
Posture and Appearance
Plantigrade stance
Kyphosis to lordosis
Movement
Generalized weakness
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
Exercise-intolerance
Cranial Nerves
Enlargement of the base of the tongue
Inability to fully open the jaw
Weak barking/dysphonia
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Salivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Posture and Appearance
Plantigrade stance
Kyphosis to lordosis
Movement
Generalized weakness
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
Exercise-intolerance
Cranial Nerves
Enlargement of the base of the tongue
Inability to fully open the jaw
Weak barking/dysphonia
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Salivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Diffuse neuromuscular disease
X-linked recessive mutation in dystrophin gene
For breed specific genetic testing, click the link below:
www.eurovetgene.com/muscular-dystrophy-md-ckcs
For breed specific genetic testing, click the link below:
www.eurovetgene.com/muscular-dystrophy-md-ckcs
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