Overview
A number of tests are available for the breed. Two or more of these tests purchased as part of this bundle will be discounted.
- Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy associated with the CNTNAP1 gene
- Leukoencephalo-myelopathy associated with the NAPEPLD gene
- Polyneuropathy Type 1 associated with the ARHGEF10 gene
- Polyneuropathy Type 2 associated with the GJA9 gene
Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy
Laryngeal paralysis and Polyneuropathy (LPPN) in an inherited neuropathy in dogs. Laryngeal paralysis (LP) results in loss of function of the larynx leads to breathing difficulties, reduced exercise and heat tolerance, and increased risk aspiration pneumonia. In addition, atrophy of laryngeal muscles and the decreased movement of the attendant laryngeal cartilages result in the airway remaining open during swallowing of food and water. Laryngeal paralysis is often reported as part of a more generalized length-dependent polyneuropathy (PN), which manifests with additional signs that include proprioceptive and motor abnormalities, slowly progressing pelvic limb weakness, and loss of limb muscle mass.
Leukoencephalo-myelopathy
Canine leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) is a juvenile-onset neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system white matter. Clinical signs first appear in young dogs, between one and three years of age. These signs include the inability to control bodily movements, inability to judge distance, generalized muscle weakness, hypermetria, and exaggerated spinal reflexes. Neuronal examination revealed myelin breakdown, followed by swelling of the axons. Due to the progressive derogative nature of the disorder, affected dogs are usually euthanized.
Polyneuropathy Type 1
LPN1 in Leonbergers and Saint Bernard dogs is an inherited polyneuropathy (PN), which is characterised by generalised weakness, low muscle tone, exercise intolerance, gait abnormalities and muscle atrophy of the pelvic limbs. Degeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve results in laryngeal paralysis, which causes abnormal barking and breathing sounds. Age of onset ranges from less than one to 11 years of age. LPN1 accounts for approximately 11% of all PN cases in the Leonberger breed, and 2 additional variants have been identified as well, LPN2 and LPPN3.
Polyneuropathy Type 2
LPN2 in Leonbergers and Saint Bernard dogs is an inherited polyneuropathy (PN), which is characterised by generalised weakness, low muscle tone, exercise intolerance, gait abnormalities and muscle atrophy of the pelvic limbs. Degeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve results in laryngeal paralysis, which causes abnormal barking and breathing sounds. Age of onset ranges from less than one to 10 years of age, with an average age of six years. Dogs with at least on copy of the LPN2 variant explain 21% of all cases of PN in the breed.
