Muscular Dystrophy - Dystroglycanopathy is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by muscular dystrophy that causes failure to thrive in puppies. The clinical signs of affected dogs include weakness, poor suckling/swallowing, poor weight gain, small stature compared to normal littermates, bow-legged stance and markedly elevated creatine kinase activities. The affected pups usually have to be euthanized due to poor weight gain and difficulties in prehension of food and swallowing.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: LARGE1 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.