Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy(ENM)
Also known as: Necrotising Myelopathy of Kooiker Dogs · Kooiker Myelopathy · Hereditäre nekrotisierende Myelopathie · ENM of the Kooikerhondje
Overview
What it is
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) is a severe genetic disease affecting the spinal cord, specifically linked to a mutation in the IBA57 gene in the Kooikerhondje breed. This mutation causes the progressive destruction (necrosis) of nerve tissue in the spinal cord, which blocks vital signals between the brain and the limbs. Because it is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
How it presents
Symptoms typically emerge in puppies between 3 and 12 months of age, starting with coordination problems and weakness in the hind legs. This rapidly progresses to paralysis affecting all four limbs.
Treatment
There is no cure for this fatal condition, and veterinary care is focused on diagnostics and supportive care, costing between 500 and 2000 EUR. Because standard commercial DNA panels do not screen for this mutation, specialized laboratory testing is required to identify carriers.
How it's tested
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
Primary testDNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
1 of 1 breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy?
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) is a severe genetic disease affecting the spinal cord, specifically linked to a mutation in the IBA57 gene in the Kooikerhondje breed. This mutation causes the progressive destruction (necrosis) of nerve tissue in the spinal cord, which blocks vital signals between the brain and the limbs. Because it is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
How is Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy tested?
Tests currently in our database: Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Dutch Kooikerhondje.