Adult-Onset Neuropathy in Dogs

Breeds documented
2
Published sources
1

Overview

An inherited nerve disorder can cause slowly worsening weakness later in life. In the form described in English Cocker Spaniels and Field Spaniels, the first changes usually affect the back legs, causing an unsteady walk and a wider stance. Weakness can later reach the front legs. Dogs that lose the ability to walk may also have trouble swallowing. These changes can progress over several years.

Signs to watch for

  • Wobbling or an unsteady walk, especially in the back legs
  • Standing with the back legs farther apart than usual
  • Weakness spreading from the back legs to the front legs
  • Difficulty swallowing in advanced disease

The first changes most often appear at ages 7.5 to 9 years.

When to get help Book a vet visit when you notice an unsteady walk or increasing leg weakness.

Diagnosis and tests

The University of Missouri lists a DNA test for adult-onset neuropathy in English Cocker Spaniels and Field Spaniels. Its condition entry links to cheek-swab testing and blood-sample submission. This genetic testing concerns the inherited form described in these two breeds.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Medium
  • 1 Large

Inheritance

  • Autosomal recessive

    English Cocker Spaniel, Field Spaniel

    A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.

    As stated by Laboklin (LABOGEN)

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. cvm.missouri.edu