Description: Dog degenerative myelopathy is a serious late-onset neurodegenerative disease. The primary image is paralysis of the hind legs with progressive deterioration. Uncoordinated movement of the back of the body develops, sensitivity and reflexes are impaired. With the progression of the disease, the forelegs are also affected and the disease manifests as paresis and paralysis. Eventually, an individual may lose control of the bladder and intestinal function. In this disease, the subject does not suffer from pain as there is a loss of spine function due to myelin destruction and subsequent axon degeneration causing progressive ataxia and paresis.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive
Mutation: in exon 1 of SOD1 gene, SOD1: c.52A>T
Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or 2 buccal brushes. For official purposes, the confirmation of the dog’s identity by Veterinarian is recommended.
The analysis is suitable for the following breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog
Notes: In Bernese Mountain Dogs, in addition to the generally occurring SOD1 mutation: c.118G> A, another mutation specific to this breed SOD1: c.52A> T was found.
