Degenerative Myelopathy (Bernese Mountain Dog Type)
Turnaround: 3-5 days
US: $45.00 | UK: £40.00
Breeds: Bernedoodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Miniature Bernedoodle, King Charles Bernedoodle
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.
References
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]
Possible Results
| Genotype | Description |
|---|---|
| DM/DM | Dog carries two copies of mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy, and is clear of the mutation found only in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Th dog is at a high risk of developing the disorder. |
| DM/DM-BMD | Dog has one copy of the each mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy. The dog is at a high risk of developing the disorder. |
| DM-BMD/DM-BMD | Dog has two copies of the mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy in Bernese Mountain Dogs, and is at a high risk of developing the disorder. |
| n/DM | Dog carries one copy of the mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy, and is negative for the mutation associated with DM in Bernese Mountain Dogs. |
| n/DM-BMD | Dog carries one copy of the mutation associated with Degenerative Myelopathy in Bernese Mountain Dogs, and is negative for the common DM mutation. |
| n/n | Dog is negative for both mutations associated with Degenerative Myelopathy in Bernese Mountain Dogs. |