Dyserythropoietic Anemia and Myopathy Syndrome(DAMS) is an early onset autosomal recessive inherited disease. Clinical signs of the disease in Labrador Retrievers are marked microcytosis, inappropriate metarubricytosis, pelvic limb weakness, muscle atrophy without cardiomyopathy, megaesophagus and regurgitation. Physical and neurologic examinations are otherwise normal. Affected dogs lose weight due to muscle atrophy. The disease is also present in English Springer Spaniels which have more pronounced clinical signs and are usually euthanized at 3 years of age. Labrador retrievers are clinically doing well even at 6 years of age, the only treatment they usually receive is for megaesophagus.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more
Mutation: EHBP1L1 gene
Genetic test: The method used forgenetic 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.