Cardiomyopathy and Juvenile Mortality in Dogs

Category: Heart
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 4
Published sources: 4

Overview

This inherited illness was described in three young Belgian Shepherd puppies with damaged heart muscle. Researchers identified a change in the YARS2 gene as the suspected cause. All three puppies died at eight weeks old. Their signs varied: two had vomiting and breathing difficulty, while the third showed shaking and reluctance to move. The researchers could not experimentally confirm how the gene change affected the body.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Shaking or muscle twitching
Reluctance to move

In the original study, signs appeared when puppies were six to eight weeks old.

Emergency Go to an emergency veterinary hospital right away if a puppy has difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis and tests

DNA testing can identify the YARS2 gene change associated with this illness. In the original study, all three affected puppies carried two copies of the change. Heart tissue examined after death showed damage to heart muscle cells. The researchers recommended genetic testing to help breeders avoid producing affected puppies.

Breeds with documented risk

4 breeds

By breed size

1 Medium
3 Large

Belgian MalinoisLarge · Herding Group
Belgian TervurenLarge · Herding Group
Belgian SheepdogLarge · Herding Group
Belgian LaekenoisMedium · Herding Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
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 OMIA

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.