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April 2008 ©

Inherited Leonberger Polyneuropathy.

This is a distinct syndrome not to be confused with neuropathies caused by a number of other diseases such as diabetes, lymes disease or hypothyroidism. It is an inherited degenerative disease of the peripheral nervous system, NOT the central nervous system which causes diseases such as degenerative myeolopathy.  ILP is an emerging inherited disease in the Leonberger and has only been recognized in the UK over the last four/Five years with dogs affected and diagnosed more frequently than bitches. The age of diagnosed dogs and bitches varies from as young as seven months to dogs in their older years. This is not an old age illness. The severity of the disease varies in each case with milder, later onset Leos in the same litter as more severe, erly onset Leos. Some even are symptomless. Dogs /bitches with the older onset variation of the disease have produced early and severe onset in their offspring as well as older and less severe onset.

The onset of the condition can be slow and easily missed until the clinical signs are severe although now there is more awareness among owners and breeders making earlier diagnosis easier.

Some symptoms to look for are, any form of Laryngeal paralysis which could cause, change in bark, exercise intolerance, lack of endurance when playing, loud breathing, change in breathing, rasping, coughing after drinking or eating, clearing throat, tremors, knuckling under or dragging foot, toenails worn short on feet., raising knee high when walking..this may not be as noticeable when gaiting., awkwardness and stumbling, and bad movement. Please be aware that any of these signs may not always be associated with this illness. A dog may have Laryngeal Paralysis that can be treated by a specialist and not have Polyneuropathy, the same as a dog can have Polyneuropathy without having Laryngeal Paralysis.

In order to have a definite diagnosis of ILP you have to eliminate neuropathies caused by untreated chronic hypothyroidism and other neuro-muscular diseases as well as neoplasia (cancers)

Testing on dogs could include simple tests by a neurologist, EMG and NCV testing and more positively the most definitive nerve and muscle biopsy. The results of this if negative will only mean that your dog doesn’t have the disease at that present time. He/she could still be a carrier.

Unfortunately the mode of inheritance is not yet known although studies in USA hope to find a DNA basis for a genetic marker. Until then we cannot stop the disease spreading, affected dogs will need a lot of tender loving care whilst they remain happy and pain free, until their quality of life deteriorates or they become immobile., losing use of their limbs.

It is for breeders, owners and vets to identify the disease and hopefully try and eradicate it before it becomes even more widespread in the Leonberger community here in the Uk.

Article forwarded to Seals via LCGB

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