Hereditary necrotising myelopathy (HNM) is an autosomal recessive inherited neurological disease in dogs, that causes a symmetric bilateral necrotising myelopathy with tissue softening in the ventral and dorsal white matter. It is characterised by progressive ataxia and paralysis in affected dogs. The symptoms start to show in the hind limbs and later progress to tetraparalysis. The clinical signs appear around 3–12 months of age in most dogs and progresses before the age of two years. Affected dogs are commonly euthanized due to deteriorated health conditions within the following months of disease progression.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more
Mutation: IBA75 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.