Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (Basenji Type)

Other Names: Pyruvate kinase deficiency of erythrocytes, PK deficiency
Affected Genes: PKLR
Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
Mutation: chr7:42267826 (canFam3): 1 bp deletion (del C)

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Common Symptoms

Pyruvate kinase deficiency (basenji type) is an inherited metabolic disease affecting basenjis. Affected dogs have insufficient activity of the pyruvate kinase Enzyme which breaks down glycogen for energy. Deficiency of this enzyme results primarily in easily damaged red blood cells (hemolysis). Affected dogs typically present between 4 months and 2 year of age with pale gums from decreased numbers of red blood cells (Anemia) and lethargy or exercise intolerance. Clinical findings during a veterinary exam include severe anemia, hardening of the bones, and an enlarged spleen and liver. While dogs can live for several years with this disease, they typically die from severe anemia or liver failure by 5 years of age.

Breed-Specific Information for the Basenji

The Mutation of the PKLR gene associated with pyruvate kinase deficiency (basenji type) has been identified in basenjis, although its overall frequency in this breed is unknown.

Testing Tips

Genetic testing of the PKLR gene in basenjis will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of pyruvate kinase deficiency (basenji type). Pyruvate kinase deficiency (basenji type) is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner in dogs meaning that they must receive two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. In general, carrier dogs do not have features of the disease but when bred with another carrier of the same Mutation, there is a risk of having affected pups. Each pup that is born to this pairing has a 25% chance of inheriting the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier of the PKLR gene mutation. Reliable genetic testing is important for determining breeding practices. In order to eliminate this mutation from breeding lines and to avoid the potential of producing affected pups, breeding of known carriers to each other is not recommended. Basenjis that are not carriers of the mutation have no increased risk of having affected pups.

There may be other causes of this condition in dogs and a normal result does not exclude a different mutation in this gene or any other gene that may result in a similar genetic disease or trait.

References

  • Whitney KM, Goodman SA, Bailey EM, Lothrop CD Jr. The molecular basis of canine pyruvate kinase deficiency. Exp Hematol. 1994 Aug;22(9):866-74. [PubMed: 7520391]
  • Whitney KM, Lothrop CD Jr. Genetic test for pyruvate kinase deficiency of basenjis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1995 Oct 1;207(7):918-21. [PubMed: 7559024]