Spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)
Spinale Muskelatrophie · Motoneuron-Erkrankung · Motor Neuron Disease · MND · Canine Spinal Muscular Atrophy · Canine Motor Neuron Disease · Motorneuron-Erkrankung · Amyotrophe Lateralsklerose beim Hund · Lower Motor Neuron Disease · LMND · Spinal muscular atrophy/motor neuron diseases
What it is
Spinal muscular atrophy is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the motor neurons, which are the specialized nerve cells in the spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Because of an inherited genetic defect, these nerve cells progressively waste away, preventing normal signals from reaching the muscles. This lack of stimulation leads to severe muscle weakness and wasting, known as atrophy, throughout the body.
How it presents
Owners will typically notice symptoms like muscle weakness, trembling, and an abnormal walking style in puppies between 3 and 12 weeks of age. These signs quickly worsen, leading to a rapid loss of mobility and eventual paralysis.
Treatment
There is no cure for this condition, and treatment is limited to supportive care to keep the dog comfortable. Managing the disease and obtaining a diagnostic veterinary workup typically costs between 500 and 2500 EUR. Because the disease is severe and progressive, humane euthanasia is often eventually necessary.
How it's tested
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.