Giant Axonal Neuropathy (Dying-Back Disease)
A degenerative neuropathy hallmarked by excessive and disorganized neurofilament accumulation leading to axonal swelling.
Age of Onset: 14-16 months of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may worsen over time
Clinical signs may worsen over time
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Inability to stand
Plantigrade stance
Protrution of the penis
Movement
Ataxia
Paresis
Pelvic limb hypotonia
Proprioception
Abnormal Proprioceptive
Cranial Nerves
Decreased ocular reflexes
Spinal Reflexes
Decreased patellar reflexes
Decreased tactile placing reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Megaesophagus
Fecal incontinence
Muscle Atrophy
Forelimb and distal hind limb interosseous muscles
Gastrocnemius
Anterior tibial muscles
Pain Sensation
Reduced to noxious stimulus
Other
Decreased or absent bark
Posture and Appearance
Inability to stand
Plantigrade stance
Protrution of the penis
Movement
Ataxia
Paresis
Pelvic limb hypotonia
Proprioception
Abnormal Proprioceptive
Cranial Nerves
Decreased ocular reflexes
Spinal Reflexes
Decreased patellar reflexes
Decreased tactile placing reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Megaesophagus
Fecal incontinence
Muscle Atrophy
Forelimb and distal hind limb interosseous muscles
Gastrocnemius
Anterior tibial muscles
Pain Sensation
Reduced to noxious stimulus
Other
Decreased or absent bark
Spinal cord
Suspected autosomal recessive inheritance
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