Dutch Kooikerhondje
Necrotising Myelopathy of Kooiker Dogs · Kooiker Myelopathy · Hereditäre nekrotisierende Myelopathie · ENM of the Kooikerhondje
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) is a severe genetic disease affecting the spinal cord, specifically linked to a mutation in the IBA57 gene in the Kooikerhondje breed. This mutation causes the progressive destruction (necrosis) of nerve tissue in the spinal cord, which blocks vital signals between the brain and the limbs. Because it is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Symptoms typically emerge in puppies between 3 and 12 months of age, starting with coordination problems and weakness in the hind legs. This rapidly progresses to paralysis affecting all four limbs.
There is no cure for this fatal condition, and veterinary care is focused on diagnostics and supportive care, costing between 500 and 2000 EUR. Because standard commercial DNA panels do not screen for this mutation, specialized laboratory testing is required to identify carriers.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
More conditions affecting the Spine.