Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD)
Also known as: Duchenne-Muskeldystrophie · Dystrophin-defiziente Muskeldystrophie · X-linked Muscular Dystrophy · Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy · Muscular Dystrophy · …
Overview
What it is
This is a severe, inherited muscle disorder caused by a lack of dystrophin, which is a crucial protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Without this protein, both the skeletal muscles used for movement and the cardiac muscle of the heart progressively weaken and break down.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in puppies between 8 and 12 weeks of age, starting with muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty swallowing, and a characteristic bunny-hopping gait. Over time, visible muscle wasting becomes more prominent.
Treatment
The condition is incurable, and treatment is limited to lifelong supportive care to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Palliative therapies and medications generally cost between €2,000 and €8,000.
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
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
This is a severe, inherited muscle disorder caused by a lack of dystrophin, which is a crucial protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Without this protein, both the skeletal muscles used for movement and the cardiac muscle of the heart progressively weaken and break down.
How is Duchenne muscular dystrophy 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: Landseer, Golden Retriever, Irish Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Samoyed, German Shorthaired Pointer.