Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Alaskan husky puppy with worsening nerve and muscle weakness from 6
By Wakshlag, J J & de Lahunta, A·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2009·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hereditary encephalomyelopathy and polyneuropathy in an Alaskan husky.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-month-old Alaskan husky puppy was brought to the vet because it was having trouble moving and was mostly lying down. The puppy showed signs of muscle weakness and atrophy in its front legs, along with issues in its back legs that affected coordination and movement. Abnormal vocalizations indicated potential throat problems. Tests revealed nerve damage and degeneration in the spinal cord, suggesting a hereditary condition that affects the nervous system. Unfortunately, this condition is progressive, and there is no cure, but early diagnosis can help manage symptoms.
People also search for: Alaskan husky puppy weakness · puppy neurological disease · hereditary nerve problems in dogs
Abstract
An Alaskan husky puppy was examined for a neurologic disease which began at six weeks of age with generalised paresis that progressed resulting in recumbency by 18 weeks. Thoracic limbs primarily exhibited lower motor neuron signs that included distal muscle atrophy and persistent elbow and carpal flexion that resisted manual extension. Pelvic limb signs primarily exhibited upper motor neuron and general proprioceptive deficits, but also included lower motor neuron signs. Abnormal vocalisation suggested a laryngeal paresis. Histopathologic lesions included a diffuse axonopathy and secondary demyelination in the nerves of the limbs and larynx and a similar bilaterally symmetrical degeneration in the spinal cord white matter suggestive of a dying back axonopathy. In addition, a degenerative process was present in nuclei in the brain stem and cerebellum. Recognition of this disease through clinical and pathologic examination in other related Alaskan Huskies suggested an autosomal recessive inherited disorder.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19954445/