Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 in Dogs

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 5

Overview

In this inherited nerve disorder, damage to nerves gradually weakens the muscles they supply. The back legs are often noticeably affected, with an unusual high-stepping walk and loss of muscle. Nerves controlling the voice box can also be damaged, making breathing noisy or difficult. LPN1 is linked to a change in the ARHGEF10 gene and is associated with a severe form that begins early in life.

Signs to watch for

Tiring sooner than expected during exercise
Lifting the back feet unusually high when walking
Weak back legs with smaller-looking muscles
Harsh or noisy breathing
A change in the sound of the bark

The severe form linked to two LPN1 gene copies usually appears before three years of age.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog is struggling to breathe.

Diagnosis and tests

DNA testing can identify the ARHGEF10 change linked to LPN1 and help guide breeding decisions. Vets may also examine the voice box and test samples of nerve or muscle tissue to assess the disease. A clear LPN1 result does not exclude other genetic causes of polyneuropathy.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Giant

Saint BernardGiant · Working Group
LeonbergerGiant · 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.