Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle wasting and swallowing trouble in a young Weimaraner
By Baltzer, Wendy Irene et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2007·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Weimaraner.
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old male Weimaraner was brought to the vet because he was losing muscle mass in his limbs and had trouble swallowing, which caused him to regurgitate food. The vet found several other issues, including an undescended testicle and a missing kidney. Tests showed high levels of a muscle enzyme, indicating muscle damage. Unfortunately, the dog's condition was severe and progressive, leading to euthanasia. A necropsy revealed further complications, including heart muscle damage.
People also search for: Weimaraner muscle disease symptoms · dog regurgitation causes · muscular dystrophy in dogs treatment
Abstract
A 2-year-old, male Weimaraner with muscular dystrophy was presented with generalized muscle atrophy of the limbs; hypertrophy of the neck, infraspinatus, and lingual muscles; dysphagia; and regurgitation. Unilateral cryptorchidism, unilateral renal agenesis, and hiatal hernia were also detected. Spontaneous muscle activity was identified on myography. Serum creatine kinase was markedly elevated. Immunohistochemical staining for dystrophin was restricted to suspected revertant (characteristics of immaturity) fibers. Histologically, skeletal myofiber degeneration, endomysial fibrosis, and mineralization were present. Following euthanasia, necropsy revealed hypertrophy of the diaphragm and cardiac muscle fibrosis. This case of muscular dystrophy represents a slowly progressive form with organ agenesis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17615404/