Lethal lung disease is a neonatal genetic disease in Airedale Terrier associated with a mutation in LEMP3 gene. Affected puppies show interstitial lung disease due to abnormal surfactant biogenesis leading to lethal hypoxic respiratory distress and failure. The clinical symptoms appear early in life, usually within the first few weeks of a puppy's life. Affected puppies show signs of rapid or shallow breathing, lethargy, pneumonia as well as other pneumonial disorders.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: LAMP3 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.