Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle weakness and regurgitation in 16-week-old lurcher siblings
By Giannasi, C et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2015·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in two lurcher siblings.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two 16-week-old male lurcher siblings were brought in showing signs of weakness, muscle wasting, and regurgitation. They had trouble moving all four legs, with the back legs being the most affected. Blood tests showed high levels of a muscle enzyme, and further tests confirmed they had a condition called dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy, which affects muscle function. One of the dogs showed improvement after receiving L-carnitine supplements and supportive care.
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Abstract
Two cases of dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in 16-week-old male lurcher siblings are reported. The myopathies were characterised by regurgitation, progressive weakness and muscle wastage. The dogs had generalised weakness in all four limbs, with more pronounced weakness in the pelvic limbs. Reduced withdrawal in all limbs, muscle contracture and lingual hypertrophy were noted. Serum creatine kinase activities were markedly elevated. Electromyographic abnormalities included fibrillation potentials. Histopathological and immunohistochemical staining were consistent with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Clinical improvement was noted in one of the cases with L-carnitine supplementation and supportive therapy. Genetic transmission of the disease was postulated as the dogs were siblings.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25622540/