Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Peripheral nerve myelin loss causing leg weakness in two Golden
By Matz, M E et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1990·Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Peripheral hypomyelinization in two golden retriever littermates.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two Golden Retriever littermates were brought in because they were having trouble walking and seemed uncoordinated in their back legs. Tests showed that their nerves were not functioning properly, with signs of reduced nerve signals and abnormal nerve structure. The vets suspected a problem with the cells that help protect and insulate the nerves, known as Schwann cells. Unfortunately, the dogs had a serious condition affecting their nerve function, and further treatment options would need to be explored with a veterinarian.
People also search for: Golden Retriever ataxia · dog nerve problems · puppy coordination issues
Abstract
Peripheral hypomyelinization was found in 2 Golden Retriever littermates that had pelvic limb ataxia, depressed postural reactions, and depressed segmental reflexes. Diagnostic findings included infrequent denervation potentials, reduced or absent evoked potentials, and markedly diminished motor nerve conduction velocities. Light and electron microscopy of peripheral nerves revealed fewer than normal myelinated axons, myelinated sheaths inappropriately thin for the caliber of the fiber, poor myelin compaction, greater than normal numbers of Schwann cell nuclei, many Schwann cells with voluminous cytoplasm, and greater than normal amount of perineural collagen. Findings were compatible with a peripheral hypomyelinization process; a defect in Schwann cell function was suspected.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2166727/