Congenital muscular dystrophies are a group of heterogeneous inherited neuromuscular disorders, that affect dog’s muscles and lead to hypotonia and progressive muscle weakness. In muscle biopsy signs of dystrophy and structural changes can be observed. Affected dogs show symptoms of walking difficulties, abnormal short-strided gait, generalized muscle atrophy, tremors and poor growth. The first clinical signs appear in first few months of age.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: LAMA2 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.