Juvenile Cardiomyopathy and Mortality (Belgian Malinois)(CJM)
Cardiomyopathy and Juvenile Mortality · Juvenile Kardiomyopathie beim Malinois · YARS2 Cardiomyopathy · Belgian Shepherd Juvenile Cardiomyopathy · CJM-Malinois
What it is
Juvenile Cardiomyopathy and Mortality (CJM) is an inherited heart muscle disease caused by a genetic mutation in the YARS2 gene that affects Belgian Shepherd puppies. This condition disrupts the normal structure and function of the heart muscle, preventing it from pumping blood effectively to the rest of the body. Because it is an autosomal recessive disorder, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in puppies between 6 and 12 weeks of age and include breathing difficulties, vomiting, loss of appetite, and extreme weakness. Due to the rapid progression of heart failure, the disease quickly leads to sudden cardiac death.
Treatment
This condition is incurable and always fatal, with no effective treatment available. Veterinary costs typically range from 150 to 800 EUR and are generally limited to diagnostic confirmation and humane euthanasia to prevent suffering.
How it's tested
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.