Muscular hypertrophy (double muscling)
Also known as: Bully Whippet Syndrome · Myostatin-Mutation · MSTN deficiency · Doppelbemuskelung · Muscular hypertrophy in Whippets · …
Overview
What it is
This condition is caused by a genetic mutation in the myostatin gene, which normally limits muscle growth. Without this limiting signal, the skeletal muscle system develops excessive, highly pronounced muscle mass. It is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to show the physical trait.
How it presents
Owners will typically notice an exceptionally muscular, heavy-set appearance starting in puppyhood. Some dogs may also experience occasional muscle cramps or show a higher susceptibility to minor muscle strains.
Treatment
There is no cure for this genetic condition, and it generally does not require ongoing medical therapy. Occasional muscle cramps or strains can be managed symptomatically with rest or physiotherapy, with lifetime management costs typically ranging from 100 to 1000 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
Myostatin (MSTN) DNA-Test(MSTN)
Primary testDNA testEin DNA-Test analysiert das Myostatin-Gen auf die spezifische Mutation (z.B. die 2-bp-Deletion bei Whippets), die für die extreme Muskelhypertrophie verantwortlich ist.
Issuing body: other
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Myostatin (MSTN) Gentest(MSTN)
Primary testDNA testDer DNA-Test analysiert das Myostatin-Gen (MSTN) auf die spezifische Mutation, um festzustellen, ob ein Hund frei ist, Träger ist oder zwei Kopien trägt (Bully-Whippet-Phänotyp).
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 Muscular hypertrophy (double muscling)?
This condition is caused by a genetic mutation in the myostatin gene, which normally limits muscle growth. Without this limiting signal, the skeletal muscle system develops excessive, highly pronounced muscle mass. It is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to show the physical trait.
How is Muscular hypertrophy (double muscling) tested?
Tests currently in our database: Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Myostatin (MSTN) DNA-Test, Myostatin (MSTN) Gentest, Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Whippet.