Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Dogs

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 2

Overview

The reported form affects an enzyme used to process GABA, a chemical that helps nerve cells communicate. When that enzyme works poorly, abnormal amounts of related chemicals build up. Affected puppies can develop seizures and unusual behavior, with changes in brain structure. This inherited disorder has been studied in Salukis.

Signs to watch for

Seizures
Episodes of unusual crying or vocalization
Difficulty waking from sleep
Unsteady movement

In the reported puppies, signs first appeared between 6 and 10 weeks.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly if a puppy has seizures, unusual crying, or trouble waking.

Diagnosis and tests

The published diagnostic workup combined a neurological examination with brain MRI, which produces detailed images of the brain. Specialist testing measured unusual chemical levels in body fluids and reduced enzyme activity in brain tissue. Genetic analysis identified a linked ALDH5A1 variant in the affected Salukis.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Large

Labrador RetrieverLarge · Sporting Group
SalukiLarge · Hound Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA

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.