Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 6

Overview

An inherited shortage of an enzyme called arylsulfatase B causes this disorder, which mainly affects the skeleton and eyes. Affected dogs can have poor growth, unusually shaped bones and cloudy corneas, the clear surfaces at the front of the eyes. The changes begin early and tend to worsen over time. Different ARSB gene variants have been identified in several affected breeds.

Signs to watch for

Cloudiness across the surface of the eyes.
Slower growth than other puppies.
An unusually curved back.
Unusually shaped limbs.

Signs can start early in life and progress through puppyhood.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon if your dog's eyes become cloudy.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets can investigate the eye and skeletal changes with laboratory tests that check for this enzyme disorder. Reported cases had excess storage substances in urine and very low arylsulfatase B activity in blood. DNA testing can identify known breed-associated ARSB variants and distinguish affected dogs from healthy carriers.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Toy

Miniature PinscherToy · 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.