Degenerative Myelopathy (Bernese Mountain Dog Type)
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Price: $45.00Price: £40.00
Breeds: Australian Labradoodle, Australian Mountain Doodle, Bernalier, Bernedoodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, King Charles Bernedoodle, Miniature Bernedoodle, Mixed Breed, Unspecified
Description
Degenerative myelopathy DM-BMD (Bernese mountain dog type) is a unique recessive form of DM found in Bernese mountain dogs. This slow progressive form of DM is triggered by a point mutation of the SOD1 gene affecting the white matter tissue of the spinal cord similar to Lou Gehrig’s disease found in humans. As nerve cell degradation progresses the effects are generally first seen in the gradual development of muscle atrophy and loss of coordination of the hind limbs. Although generally not painful to the dog, further progression of the disease leads to the dogs’ inability to walk as well as potential loss of fecal and urinary continence generally 24 months after the onset of symptoms occurs.
Possible Results
| Genotype | Description |
|---|---|
| DM-b/DM-b | At Risk: Dog carries two copies of mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy-b and is at risk for developing the disorder. The gene will always be passed on to every offspring. |
| n/DM-b | Heterozygous: Dog carries one copy of the mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy-b. The mutated copy may be passed on to any offspring. |
| n/n | Clear: Dog is negative for mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy-b. |
Reference
Coates JR, Wininger FA. Canine degenerative myelopathy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2010 Sep; 40(5):929-50. [PubMed: 20732599]
Pfahler S, Bachmann N, Fechler C, Lempp C, Baumgärtner W, Distl O. Degenerative myelopathy in a SOD1 compound heterozygous Bernese mountain dog. Anim Genet. 2014 Apr;45(2):309-10. [PubMed: 24450472]