Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)(LEMP)
Also known as: Leukoencephalomyelopathy · Leonberger leukoencephalomyelopathy · Leukoenzephalomyelopathie · LEMP-Leonberger · Canine Leukoencephalomyelopathy
Overview
What it is
Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) is an inherited neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It causes the progressive breakdown of myelin, which is the protective coating around nerve fibers that helps transmit signals. Without this coating, the dog's central nervous system cannot properly send messages to the rest of the body.
How it presents
Symptoms typically begin to show between 1 and 3 years of age. Owners will usually notice an unsteady, swaying walk, general clumsiness, and difficulty coordinating the dog's legs, which slowly worsens over time.
Treatment
There is no cure or specific treatment for this progressive condition. Veterinary care focuses on supportive therapy, physical rehabilitation, and eventually humane euthanasia, with lifetime costs typically ranging from 500 to 2,500 EUR.
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
6 of 6 breeds
Mandatory testAiredale TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V.
Mandatory testBlack Russian TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V.
Mandatory testCairn TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT)
Mandatory testLakeland TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V. von 1894
Mandatory testToy Manchester TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V. von 1894
RecommendedLeonberger
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)?
Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) is an inherited neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It causes the progressive breakdown of myelin, which is the protective coating around nerve fibers that helps transmit signals. Without this coating, the dog's central nervous system cannot properly send messages to the rest of the body.
How is Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) 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: Airedale Terrier, Black Russian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Toy Manchester Terrier, Leonberger.