Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (Discovered in Terriers)

Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GLD) is a disorder which results in degeneration of the nervous system. GLD is characterized by muscle weakness, tremors, and ataxia (uncoordinated movement). Signs of the disease also include behavioral changes, incoherence, blindness, and deficits in normal reflexes.

Key Signs

Muscle weakness, Ataxia, Tremor, Paralysis, Behavioral changes

Age of Onset

0 to 2 yrs

Juvenile onset

Inheritance

Autosomal Recessive

For autosomal recessive disorders, dogs with two copies of the variant are at risk of developing the condition. Dogs with one copy of the variant are considered carriers and are usually not at risk of developing the disorder. However, carriers of some complex variants grouped in this category may be associated with a low risk of developing the disorder. Individuals with one or two copies may pass the disorder-associated variant to their puppies if bred.

Likelihood of the Condition

High likelihood

At risk dogs are highly likely to show signs of this disease in their lifetime.

What to Do

Here’s how to care for a dog with GLD

Partner with your veterinarian to make a plan regarding your dog’s well-being, including any insights provided through genetic testing. If your pet is at risk or is showing signs of this disorder, then the first step is to speak with your veterinarian.

For Veterinarians

Here’s what a vet needs to know about GLD

GLD is characterized by muscle weakness, tremors, and ataxia (uncoordinated movement). Clinical signs of the disease also include behavioral changes, incoherence, blindness, and deficits in normal reflexes. GLD is a progressive condition in which the characteristic signs of the disease are first observed in the hind legs in dogs 1 to 5 months of age.

The wellbeing of affected dogs should be monitored carefully. Treatment is supportive care and symptomatic depending on the severity of the dog's clinical signs. Affected dogs do not typically survive to adulthood and are usually euthanized on welfare grounds before 9 months of age.

For Breeders

Planning to breed a dog with this genetic variant?

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 occur. A carrier dog with one copy of the GLD mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the GLD mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the GLD 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 GLD mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.

Technical Details

Gene	GALC
Variant	A>C
Chromosome	8
Coordinate	59,311,801

All coordinates reference CanFam3.1

References & Credit

Credit to our scientific colleagues:

Victoria, T., Rafi, M. A., & Wenger, D. A. (1996). Cloning of the canine GALC cDNA and identification of the mutation causing globoid cell leukodystrophy in West Highland White and Cairn terriers. Genomics. View the article

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