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
Movement
Weakness
Shortened stride
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
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)
Salivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Hyperpnea
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Other
Tachycardia
Stunted growth
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Exercise-intolerance
Posture and Appearance
Plantigrade stance
Kyphosis to lordosis
Movement
Weakness
Shortened stride
“Stiffness”
“Shuffling” gait
Abduction of elbows
Bunny-hopping gait
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)
Salivation
Pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction
Hyperpnea
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy (head and limb muscles)
Generalized muscle hypertrophy
Other
Tachycardia
Stunted growth
Diffuse neuromuscular disease
X-linked recessive mutation in dystrophin gene
To read more about this disease click below:
