Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord with symptoms typically appearing between 8 and 14 years of age. Symptoms include loss of coordination (ataxia) in the limbs and eventually difficulty standing and walking. Symptoms progress over about a year before dogs become paraplegic. Although any dog can be tested for DM, it is possible that the genetic background that predominates in some breeds prevents the development of symptoms even in dogs testing affected.
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) is a canine genetic disorder that leads to loss of muscle control following periods of extreme exercise. Episodes generally occur after 5-25 minutes of excessive activity that can include actively running for extended periods of time. Episode severity ranges between different dogs and often begins with a form of rocking followed by weakening of the hind limbs and eventual collapse. Attacks are typically brief (less than 20 minutes) and dogs tend to recover. In a limited number of cases, episodes can be fatal. Affected dogs begin to show symptoms from a couple of months to 3 years of age and are more susceptible at an age when more intensive training begins. It is important for owners of dogs affected by EIC to be familiar with activities that may trigger an episode.
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a genetic disorder that prevents normal blood clotting and can cause extended bleeding following injury. The disorder results from a deficiency or lack of sufficient von Willebrand factor (vWf) which functions as a binding protein during blood clotting. Three types of VWD have been identified in dogs to date and are known as VWD types 1, 2, and 3. Within these three types, there are five different genetic mutations that are currently known that lead to canine VWD. Von Willebrand’s disease type 1 (VWD1) results in a reduction in normal levels of VWf to approximately 5-10% of normal. Since some vWf is produced in dogs homozygous for the VWD1 mutation, this form of the disorder is considered to be less serious than types 2 and 3. Typical symptoms of the disease encompass excessive or abnormal bleeding following injury or the presence of blood in various bodily secretions (urine, feces, etc.)
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