Tag archives: abnormal gait

With a beautiful variety of coat colors and markings in combination with their impressive muscular build, the striking appearance of the American Staffordshire terrier (AST) is one to behold. The modern AST can trace its origins to 19^th century England when bulldogs of the time were bred to terriers in an attempt to create a dog with the most desirable personality traits of each breed (the specific breed of terrier used in the early breedings is in dispute among domestic dog historians and may have actually been multiple terrier breeds). In 1972, the original name of the breed (used from the time of their 1936 acceptance into the American Kennel Club), Staffordshire terrier, was changed to the current, American Staffordshire terrier by breeders to distinguish their breed of heavier, American bred dogs from the original Staffordshire terrier of England.

As the AST has progressed as a breed, so has the understanding of the genetics that underlies the breed we see today. In addition, the discovery of particular genetic mutations responsible for causing inherited diseases has allowed for the development of genetic tests to identify nonsymptomatic carriers and young dogs affected with late-onset inherited disorders. Through the genetic knowledge gained ...

If there is anything that I have learned in Paw Print Genetics’ quest to prevent canine inherited diseases, it is that degenerative myelopathy (DM) is one of the most misunderstood diseases in the dog breeding community. This late-onset, progressive neurological disease is notorious for cutting affected dog’s lives short and preventing them from living out their golden years. Unfortunately, sometimes there are misunderstandings in regard to what causes DM, what DM genetic test results mean, and whether or not DM occurs in certain breeds or bloodlines. I will attempt to address the confusing aspects of DM in order to empower people to eliminate this devastating disease from their blood lines.

How Do DM Affected Dogs Present? How is it Inherited?

Dogs affected with DM typically begin showing signs of painless, hind limb weakness and loss of balance around 7 to 10 years of age. These dogs often have difficulty rising after lying down, will drag their hind feet while walking, and abnormally cross their legs while standing. As the disease progresses, affected dogs’ front limbs also become progressively weaker until the dog becomes unable to walk. Affected dogs also may develop urinary and fecal incontinence as the disease progresses. Most ...

Previously known as the Jack Russell terrier, the Parson Russell terrier’s nearly 200 year long history began in the 1800’s when Parson John Russell of England obtained a terrier named Scout with the purpose of training him for European red fox hunting. Russell eventually developed a particularly adept line of terriers meant to run alongside hunters on horseback and dispatch foxes.

The name, Jack Russell Terrier was previously used to encompass dogs which are now recognized as three separate breeds in the U.S, the Jack Russell terrier, the Parson Russell terrier, and the Russell terrier. Despite their close genetic relationship and very similar appearance, leg length and body shape can be used to help differentiate the three breeds. Parson Russell terriers possess the longest legs and a square-shaped body while the other two breeds display shorter legs and a rectangular body shape. The Russell terrier is the shortest of the three varieties. Parson Russell terriers and Russell terriers are both recognized by the AKC, however the Jack Russell Terrier remains unrecognized by the organization and is bred primarily for its ability to hunt rather than for its conformational merits. Despite these physical differences, the three breeds share many genetic similarities ...

From their roots as a well-rounded Swiss farm dog, the modern Bernese mountain dog (BMD) is well known for its friendly and affectionate demeanor. This intelligent and adaptable breed has gained the love of many Americans since its introduction to the United States in 1926. In 2014 the BMD moved to 31^st place in the AKC registration statistics and appears to be growing in popularity as the breed has moved up 8 places in the rankings since 2009.

Like many purebred dogs, the Bernese mountain dog is known to inherit some health issues that are of major concern to breeders. Unfortunately, genetic discoveries for some of the most concerning inherited issues for BMD breeders, such as a type of cancer known as histiocytic sarcoma, have remained elusive. However, some inherited diseases of Bernese mountain dogs can be avoided through the use of genetic testing technologies and selective breeding practices.

Degenerative Myelopathy

The late-onset neurological disease, degenerative myelopathy (DM) is one such disease that can be prevented through genetic testing. In 2009, a mutation in the canine SOD1 gene was described as a major cause of DM. Since then, the mutation has been reported in over 100 dog breeds including ...

 In this second blog of a two part blog series (read part one here) about inherited diseases of the wonderful old English sheepdog (OES), we will examine two inherited diseases reported in multiple dog breeds in addition to the OES.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Historically a disease associated with the German shepherd dog, degenerative myelopathy (DM) has now been identified in over 100 dog breeds. A canine disease similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) which affects people, DM is a late-onset neurological disease caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene. Affected dogs initially present around 7 to 10 years of age with weakness in the hind limbs and difficulty rising after lying down. As affected dogs gradually lose the ability to fully control their hind limbs, it is common for them to begin dragging their hind feet while walking and may occasionally lose their balance and fall over. In some circumstances, affected dogs will also suffer from urinary and/or fecal incontinence. Once initial signs of disease present, progression of the neurological dysfunction to the front limbs tends to be rapid with most dogs losing the ability to walk within 6 months to two years.

Diseases with a late ...

Though their early origins are vague due to a lack of documentation, the old English sheepdog’s (OES) easy going personality and intelligence are no mystery to those close to the breed. Most likely developed in western England in the early 19^th century, the OSE was commonly used to help farmers drive livestock to market. Despite its natural instincts and desire to work, a well-exercised, modern OSE is just as content curled up on the couch with their favorite person as they are when working or participating in agility, obedience, or herding trials. Their characteristic thick, shaggy coat and docked tail help make the OES one of the most recognizable dog breeds in existence. However, one thing that can’t be recognized from physical appearance alone is an individual OES’s likelihood to produce puppies with inherited disease. Through the use of genetic testing and selective breeding practices, the incidence of some inherited diseases can be greatly reduced (or even eliminated) from blood lines.

Exercise-Induced Collapse

One concern of the OES lover is a disease often associated with the Labrador retriever known as exercise-induced collapse (EIC). EIC is a troubling neuromuscular disorder caused by a mutation in the

DNM1 gene. As its ...

From their origins in Germany, the miniature schnauzer and its entertaining, high-spirited personality have endeared them to people all over the world. Originally bred to be an effective, small breed vermin hunter, it is believed that the miniature schnauzer was the product of breeding small breeds like the affenpincher and small poodles with the standard schnauzer. First recognized as an independent breed in the late 19^th century, miniature schnauzers have since firmly planted themselves as popular, devoted family members and guard dogs. In 2013, they were ranked 17th in the AKC registration statistics; an indication of their significant popularity in the US. Unfortunately, like other purebred dogs, the miniature schnauzer is reported to inherit some genetic diseases that can prevent them from being the spunky terrier they are otherwise known to be. One such condition is an inherited muscular disease known as myotonia congenita (MC).

MC is a disorder of skeletal muscle caused by a mutation of the CLCN1 gene in which muscles display hyperexcitability and delayed relaxation after contracting. Affected puppies are usually identified when they begin walking due to the presence of a stiff gait resulting in frequent falls. Though the episodes of muscle stiffness do not ...

While the history of the beagle’s early breed development has been lost due to lack of record keeping, the mid to late 1800’s saw the arrival of the modern beagle on the shores of North America. From its English homeland where it was developed to hunt rabbits and other small game, the beagle has become one of the most popular breeds in the United States, ranking 4^th overall in the 2013 American Kennel Club’s registration statistics. Behind their charming, deep throated vocalization known as baying, lies a social, even tempered and jovial dog breed suited for modern family life. Unfortunately, like other purebred dogs, the beagle is known to inherit some genetic diseases that can dampen the spirits of this normally energetic and fun-loving breed. One such inherited disease of beagles is known as Musladin-Lueke syndrome (MLS), a multi-systemic disease of connective tissue.

Named after beagle breeders Tony and Judy Musladin and Ada Lueke, MLS was first reported in the 1970’s and has now been identified in multiple countries including England, Australia, America and Japan. In 2010, a genetic mutation in the ADAMTSL2 gene was found to be responsible for the unique clinical signs of this disease. Though not ...

From their ancient Egyptian roots depicted in carvings of their predecessors, the speed and agility of the greyhound has long fascinated humans who found great potential in the breed as hunting companions, and much later, as fantastic family dogs. Like other members of the large grouping of dog breeds known as sighthounds, it was obvious to their ancient human handlers that the greyhound’s exceptional athletic skill, lean muscular body, and keen vision could be invaluable for hunting both large and small game. While it is no longer as common for greyhounds to be used for hunting, their docile temperament outside of the hunt contributed to an easy transition to the more domestic lifestyle most greyhounds now live. Though able to run 40 miles per hour when properly conditioned, with regular exercise the greyhound is just as content taking it easy with their human family members. Despite their majestic appearance and impressive athletic attributes, like other purebred dogs, greyhounds are known to inherit some genetic diseases that may keep this talented runner at the starting block. One such disease, known as greyhound polyneuropathy (GP), is caused by a mutation in the NDRG1 gene.

GP is a severe, progressive neurological disease similar ...

The popularity of the Labrador retriever doesn’t seem to wane.  It has been the number one dog breed registered by the American Kennel Club from 2002 to 2012 (the last time registration statistics were calculated) and is currently the most popular breed in the world.  Their cheerful dispositions, great prey drive, and high intelligence, has made them a common sight in American households.  Unfortunately, like many dog breeds, certain inherited diseases have become an issue as the popularity of the breed has increased.  One such disease, centronuclear myopathy (commonly referred to as “CNM” by Labrador breeders), has become a concern for the breed.  It is currently recommended (though considered optional) by the Labrador Retriever Club to perform genetic testing for CNM on all Labradors.  Despite that many Labrador breeders are currently testing for the disorder, from conversations, I have discovered that many breeders still have a significant number of questions in regards to what the disease actually is and what causes the symptoms seen in CNM.

CNM is a hereditary muscle disease of dogs caused by a genetic mutation in the PTPLA gene.  This disease was first described in dogs (Labrador retriever) in ...