Muscular Dystrophy (Ullrich-like)
Muscular dystrophies are examples of degenerative myopathic conditions of both dogs and cats. Ullrich-like muscular dystrophy is a type of congenital muscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness, joint contracture, and hyperlaxity.
Age of Onset: 6-7 months of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs worsen over the course of a few months
Clinical signs worsen over the course of a few months
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Multifocal joint contracture
Thickening of elbow and stifle joints
Distal limb joint hyperlaxity
Low head carriage
Moderate lumbar and thoracic kyphosis
Movement
Severe generalized weakness
Difficulty rising and ambulating
Ambulatory tetraparesis ("stiff, choppy, short-strided gait")
Spinal Reflexes
Reduced withdrawal reflexes
Painful Reactions
Mild spinal hyperesthesia
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy
Posture and Appearance
Multifocal joint contracture
Thickening of elbow and stifle joints
Distal limb joint hyperlaxity
Low head carriage
Moderate lumbar and thoracic kyphosis
Movement
Severe generalized weakness
Difficulty rising and ambulating
Ambulatory tetraparesis ("stiff, choppy, short-strided gait")
Spinal Reflexes
Reduced withdrawal reflexes
Painful Reactions
Mild spinal hyperesthesia
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy
Diffuse neuromuscular
Associated with a nonsense variant in the COL6A1 gene
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