PCA Health and Genetics

NEUROAXONAL DYSTROPHY DISEASE

( NAD )

The following is an article printed in Pap Talk 2009

Recent information has become available regarding a disease that is affecting Papillon and Chihuahua's.

This disease has been known to occur in Rottweiler's at a later age,

but there have been reports of very young Papillon puppies succumbing to this genetic disease.

Description :

Mode of Inheritance is being studied but it has been determined that it is a progressive disorder where brain and spinal cord swelling occurs and deterioration continues. Nerve impulses become abnormal and rear quarter coordination progress to general

lack of all control of movement. The puppy shows signs of pain in later stages.

It is believe to be autosomal recessive. ( This is the same type of inheritance as Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA ).

In order to produce offspring with this disease BOTH parents must carry the gene.

Clinical signs are awkward, clumsy, high stepping puppies Poor coordination, head tremors and in very young puppies it has been observed to be progressive and often by 19 weeks the puppy has to be euthanized on humane grounds. Older puppies continue to deteriorate, have difficulty in swallowing and pneumonia ensues. The brain and spinal cord atrophy ( shrink ).

To read formal abstract descriptions of the disease you may go to :

Neuroaxonal dystrophy in a litter of Papillon pups

URL : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8583759?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=1&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

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Neuroaxonal dystrophy in dogs: case report in 2 litters of Papillon puppies
URL : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17552463?log$=activity
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What is neuroaxonal dystrophy ?

URL : http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/nervous%20system%20disorders/neuroaxonal%20dystrophy.htm
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This information has been obtained through the above literature study .

There are reports of multiple puppy deaths made by some USA breeders.

The above information is furnished to the PCA membership by the Genetic Committee.

Article printed in Pap Talk 2009

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