Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leigh-like brain disease in Yorkshire Terriers
By Baiker, Kerstin et al.·Published in Acta neuropathologica·2009·Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Leigh-like subacute necrotising encephalopathy in Yorkshire Terriers: neuropathological characterisation, respiratory chain activities and mitochondrial DNA.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Yorkshire Terriers showed signs of neurological issues, including problems with movement and coordination, due to a condition called Leigh-like subacute necrotising encephalopathy (SNE). This condition was linked to defects in the energy-producing parts of their cells, specifically in the brain and muscles. The affected dogs had specific brain lesions and some showed reduced activity in important respiratory chain complexes. While the exact genetic cause is still unclear, the findings suggest that this condition in Yorkshire Terriers is similar to cases seen in Alaskan Huskies and even in humans with Leigh syndrome. Further research is needed to understand the underlying factors better.
People also search for: Yorkshire Terrier neurological problems · dog brain disease symptoms · Leigh syndrome in dogs · treatment for dog movement issues
Abstract
Our knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial disorders in humans has increased considerably during the past two decades. Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies have sporadically been reported in dogs. However, molecular and biochemical data that would lend credence to the suspected mitochondrial origin are largely missing. This study was aimed to characterise a Leigh-like subacute necrotising encephalopathy (SNE) in Yorkshire Terriers and to shed light on its enzymatic and genetic background. The possible resemblance to SNE in Alaskan Huskies and to human Leigh syndrome (LS) was another focus of interest. Eleven terriers with imaging and/or gross evidence of V-shaped, non-contiguous, cyst-like cavitations in the striatum, thalamus and brain stem were included. Neuropathological examinations focussed on muscle, brain pathology and mitochondrial ultrastructure. Further investigations encompassed respiratory-chain activities and the mitochondrial DNA. In contrast to mild non-specific muscle findings, brain pathology featured the stereotypic triad of necrotising grey matter lesions with relative preservation of neurons in the aforementioned regions, multiple cerebral infarcts, and severe patchy Purkinje-cell degeneration in the cerebellar vermis. Two dogs revealed a reduced activity of respiratory-chain-complexes I and IV. Genetic analyses obtained a neutral tRNA-Leu(UUR) A-G-transition only. Neuropathologically, SNE in Yorkshire Terriers is nearly identical to the Alaskan Husky form and very similar to human LS. This study, for the first time, demonstrated that canine SNE can be associated with a combined respiratory chain defect. Mitochondrial tRNA mutations and large genetic rearrangements were excluded as underlying aetiology. Further studies, amongst relevant candidates, should focus on nuclear encoded transcription and translation factors.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19466433/