Deficiency of cytosolic arylamine N-acetylation
Arylamine N-acetyltransferase deficiency · NAT deficiency · Slow acetylator phenotype · Arylamin-N-Acetyltransferase-Mangel · Cytosolic arylamine N-acetyltransferase deficiency
What it is
This is not a disease, but a natural species-wide characteristic in all dogs, who lack the NAT1 and NAT2 genes. Because of this genetic absence, dogs cannot produce the liver enzymes needed for cytosolic arylamine N-acetylation, which is a process normally used to break down certain foreign chemicals. This affects how their metabolic system processes specific substances, particularly certain medications like sulfonamide antibiotics.
How it presents
This trait is completely asymptomatic in daily life and has no age of onset, as it is the normal state for all dogs. Symptoms of drug intolerance or toxicity would only appear if the dog is exposed to specific medications that they cannot safely metabolize.
Treatment
No treatment is necessary for this natural characteristic, and prevention simply involves avoiding high-risk medications. If an accidental drug reaction occurs, supportive veterinary care is highly manageable, with typical costs ranging from 0 to 150 EUR.
How it's tested
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.