Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Dogs

Category: Metabolic
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 3

Overview

This inherited enzyme deficiency interferes with the breakdown of certain fats used for energy. A study in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels linked an ACADM gene change to abnormal fat-related substances in blood. The dog that prompted the investigation had seizure-like episodes and prolonged tiredness. Researchers could not establish whether the enzyme defect alone explained those signs, so the clinical effects remain uncertain.

Signs to watch for

Seizure-like episodes in the reported case
Prolonged periods of unusually low energy
Reduced response to surroundings during episodes
Unsteady walking during episodes

Signs have been reported in an adult dog; the usual onset age is not established.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly for unexplained episodes of reduced awareness or unsteadiness.

Diagnosis and tests

Blood and urine tests can detect unusual patterns of substances produced during fat metabolism. DNA testing can identify the reported ACADM variant. The genetic result confirms the inherited biochemical defect, but does not by itself show that this defect explains a dog's neurological signs.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Small

Cavalier King Charles SpanielSmall · Toy 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.