Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Degenerative myelopathy diagnosed in Boston terrier-French bulldog
By Chan, A M K et al.Ā·Published in The Journal of small animal practiceĀ·2026Ā·Ontario Veterinary College, CanadaĀ·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: Diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy in a Boston terrier-French bulldog mixed breed.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old male Boston terrier-French bulldog mix was brought to the vet because he was having trouble moving his back legs. Despite several tests, including MRI and spinal fluid analysis, nothing unusual was found at first. However, DNA testing revealed a genetic mutation linked to degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive disease affecting the spinal cord. Unfortunately, even with supportive care, the dog's condition worsened over 37 months, and a final examination confirmed the diagnosis. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing and managing DM in these breeds.
People also search for: Boston terrier degenerative myelopathy symptoms Ā· dog back leg weakness treatment Ā· French bulldog spinal cord disease
Abstract
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) has been associated with mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1). Although the SOD1:c.118G>A mutation has been identified in Boston terriers and French bulldogs, no histological-confirmed degenerative myelopathy has been reported in either breed. An 8-year-old male neutered Boston terrier-French bulldog mixed breed dog was presented with T3 to L3 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were unremarkable. DNA testing revealed homozygosity for the SOD1:c.118G>A mutation. Despite supportive treatment, the dog continued to progress over 37 months. Post mortem full spine MRI study found severe spinal cord and epaxial muscle atrophy. The diagnosis of DM was confirmed by histopathology and positive immunohistochemical staining with anti-SOD1 antibodies. This case report documents the clinical and imaging progression of DM in a Boston terrier-French bulldog mixed breed.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40734598/