Demyelinating Neuropathy

Demyelinating neuropathy is a progressive condition with an onset of approximately 3 months of age. Affected dogs may present with recurrent episodes of regurgitation and may show inspiratory stridor. Affected dog may also show some intolerance to exercise, which may worsen as the disorder progresses.

There is no curative treatment for the disease. Due to the severity of the clinical signs, and the progressive nature of the disease, affected dogs are often euthanized for welfare reasons if the disorder is severely affecting quality of life.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to develop. A carrier dog with one copy of the Demyelinating Neuropathy mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Demyelinating Neuropathy mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Demyelinating Neuropathy mutation. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Demyelinating Neuropathy mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.