Degenerative Myopathy in Dogs

Category
Muscle
Breeds documented
1
Published sources
1

Overview

In reported Bouviers des Flandres, a degenerative muscle disorder has caused problems with swallowing. Damage affects muscles in the throat and the tube carrying food to the stomach, so food and water may not move normally. The changes resemble muscular dystrophy, a disease involving progressive muscle damage. Some affected dogs developed pneumonia, a lung infection, after material entered the airways, making swallowing difficulties an important reason for veterinary assessment.

Signs to watch for

  • Difficulty swallowing food or water
  • Bringing swallowed food or water back up
  • Difficulty taking food into the mouth

Swallowing problems have been reported from as early as 8 weeks of age.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit promptly if swallowing becomes difficult.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet examines swallowing and may use moving X-ray images to see how food travels through the throat and food pipe. Electrical recordings from muscles can help identify abnormal function. Examination of muscle tissue under a microscope is needed to confirm the muscle changes and distinguish them from a nerve disorder.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size
  • 1 Large

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

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. tandfonline.com