Glossopharyngeal defect
Also known as: Glossopharyngeal nerve defect · Glossopharyngeal dysphagia · Glossopharyngeus-Defekt · Glossopharyngeus-Lähmung · Cranial nerve IX defect
Overview
What it is
This is an inherited neurological and developmental disorder affecting the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the nerve responsible for controlling the throat and tongue. Affected puppies are born with an abnormally small tongue, a condition known as microglossia or 'bird tongue,' and lack the nerve function required to swallow. Because it is an autosomal recessive trait, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
How it presents
Symptoms are noticeable immediately after birth, as affected puppies are unable to nurse or swallow milk. Owners will observe constant choking, drooling, coughing, and a rapid failure to thrive.
Treatment
There is no curative treatment for this severe, lethal condition. Veterinary assessment and supportive care typically cost between 50 and 250 EUR, though humane euthanasia is usually necessary to prevent suffering.
How it's tested
Klinisch-neurologische Untersuchung des Schluckreflexes(Neurologische Untersuchung)
Primary testClinical examEine klinisch-neurologische Untersuchung durch den Tierarzt, bei der insbesondere der Schluck- und Würgereflex (Prüfung der Hirnnerven IX und X) sowie die Sensibilität des hinteren Rachenraums überprüft werden.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Glossopharyngeal defect?
This is an inherited neurological and developmental disorder affecting the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the nerve responsible for controlling the throat and tongue. Affected puppies are born with an abnormally small tongue, a condition known as microglossia or 'bird tongue,' and lack the nerve function required to swallow. Because it is an autosomal recessive trait, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
How is Glossopharyngeal defect tested?
Tests currently in our database: Klinisch-neurologische Untersuchung des Schluckreflexes.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.