Dyserythropoietic Anemia and Myopathy Syndrome (DAMS) is an early onset inherited disease. It includes symptoms like trismus, dysphagia, muscle atrophy and progressive weakness at all ages. An early onset of anemia, megaesophagus, generalized muscle atrophy and cardiomyopathy is observed in the English Springer Spaniels. Dogs are also less active, less able to perform exercise and have regurgitation from puppyhood in comparison to their littermates. Other clinical signs can appear like difficulties opening and closing the mouth and difficulty in lapping water, as well as aspiration pneumonia, seizures, and chronic diarrhea. Due to progressive illness and poor quality of life dogs are usually euthanized.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation:  EHBP1L1 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age. 

Disease control: read more

DNA test sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.