Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
Disease
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a fatal, slowly progressing neuro degenerative disease with a late onset (age 8 years or older). The initial clinical sign is characterised by spastic and general proprioceptive ataxia of the hind limbs. As the disease progresses, the frequently observed asymmetric weakness ascends to affect the thoracic limbs, resulting in paraplegia. Hyporeflexia of the myotatic and withdrawal reflexes occur.
Initially, DM has been recognised as a spontaneously occurring, adult-onset spinal cord disorder in German Shepherds. Nowadays, DM has been diagnosed in several other dog breeds, including Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Boxer, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Chesapeake Bay Retriever. A mutation in exon 2 of SOD1 gene was identified as major risk factor for developing DM in many breeds so far. In the Bernese Mountain Dog breed, an additional mutation in exon 1 of SOD1 gene was characterized as being also a risk factor for DM. We offer genetic testing for both mutations in Bernese Mountain Dogs as combi or single tests.
Breed
All breeds (exon 2)
Bernese Mountain Dog (exon 1+2)
Trait of inheritance
autosomal-recessive with variable penetrance;
The mutation in the SOD1-gene which represents a major risk factor for the development of the disease is identified in the genetic test.
Test duration
3-5 days after arrival of the sample in the lab
Material
The DNA test is performed out of EDTA blood or buccal swabs. Required swabs can be ordered free of charge. (Buccal swab order-form). If a swab is sent in, possibly the genetic material is not sufficient to run the test. In this case it would be best to send in an EDTA blood sample.
Testing procedure
Questiones?
Please contact our molecular biology team for further questions.
LABOKLIN GmbH und Co.KG
Steubenstraße 4
D-97688 Bad Kissingen
Telefon: +49 (0)971 72020
Fax: +49 (0)971 68546
E-Mail: info@labogen.com
Links
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