Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Walking ability and survival in dogs with SOD1 mutation and disc
By Sebestyén, Péter et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2025·Department of Small Animals·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Survival and deterioration time of walking abilities in dogs homozygous for the SOD1 gene mutation with and without thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with a genetic mutation linked to degenerative myelopathy (DM) were studied to see how their walking abilities changed over time, especially if they also had a condition called intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDP). The study included 39 dogs, mostly German Shepherds, and found that those with IVDP had similar survival times and rates of losing their ability to walk compared to those without IVDP. On average, dogs without IVDP lived about 13 months after showing signs of DM, while those with IVDP lived around 11 months. This suggests that having IVDP does not significantly affect the progression of DM in these dogs.
People also search for: dog degenerative myelopathy symptoms · German Shepherd walking problems · intervertebral disc disease in dogs
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dogs homozygous for the SOD1 gene mutation with presumptive degenerative myelopathy (DM) can develop concurrent intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDP). The impact of IVDP on the progression of SOD1-related clinical signs is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe a population of dogs with the SOD1 mutation and to compare survival and time to non-ambulation between those with and without IVDP. METHODS: This single-center exploratory cohort study was preregistered and retrospectively included dogs with the SOD1 gene mutation, compatible clinical signs, and available spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dogs were divided into two groups based on the presence (IVDP+) or absence (IVDP-) of IVDP affecting the T3-L3 spinal cord segment. The primary outcomes were time to euthanasia from the onset of clinical signs (neurological deficits) and from the diagnosis (genetic testing and MRI). The secondary outcome was time to non-ambulatory status. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 39 dogs were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 115 months and a mean weight of 29 kg at the time of diagnosis. The most common breed was the German Shepherd ( = 9/39). In the IVDP- group ( = 28/39), the median survival time was 13 months (95% CI: 9-18 months) from the onset of clinical signs, and 6 months (95% CI: 5-11 months) from the time of diagnosis. In the IVDP+ group ( = 11/39), the median survival time was 11 months (95% CI: 9-∞ months) from the onset of clinical signs, and 7 months (95% CI: 5-∞ months) from the diagnosis. Cox regression analysis indicated that dogs with IVDP had a hazard ratio of 1.20 for euthanasia (95% CI: 0.58-2.49, = 0.6), which was not statistically significant compared to dogs without IVDP. DISCUSSION: Based on this retrospective cohort, dogs with the SOD1 mutation appear to have similar disease progression and survival, regardless of the presence of concurrent IVDP. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been preregistered on https://preclinicaltrials.eu/ (PCT ID: PCTE0000406).
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40417363/