Glycogen Storage Disease Type IA in Dogs

Category: Liver
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 7

Overview

A missing or poorly working enzyme prevents the body from releasing enough glucose, the sugar used for energy. At the same time, stored carbohydrate called glycogen builds up, especially in the liver. Affected puppies can have dangerously low blood sugar, poor growth, weakness, and a swollen abdomen. The disease starts early in life and can be severe.

Signs to watch for

Poor weight gain or slow growth
A swollen or enlarged belly
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Seizures

Signs begin in early puppyhood and may be present from birth.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your puppy becomes severely weak.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets investigate low blood sugar and an enlarged liver with blood tests and abdominal imaging. Confirmation can involve measuring enzyme activity or examining liver tissue for excess glycogen. Genetic testing can identify the reported variants, which differ between Maltese and German Pinschers.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
1 Medium

MalteseToy · Toy Group
German PinscherMedium · Working Group

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.