Nemaline Myopathy(NEM)
Also known as: Nemaline-Myopathie · Fadenmyopathie · Rod Myopathy · Congenital Nemaline Myopathy · Nemaline Myopathy of American Bulldogs · …
Overview
What it is
Nemaline Myopathy (NM) is a severe, inherited muscle disorder affecting the skeletal muscles. It is caused by an abnormal accumulation of thread-like protein structures, called nemaline rods, inside the muscle cells. This buildup disrupts the normal structure of the muscle fibers, preventing them from contracting properly and leading to widespread muscle weakness.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in puppies between a few weeks and a few months of age. Owners may notice a stiff, unusual "bunny-hopping" gait, general muscle weakness, and difficulty swallowing. This weakness often progresses rapidly and can eventually affect the muscles used for breathing.
Treatment
There is no cure for this progressive condition, and management is limited to diagnostic testing and supportive care, with costs typically ranging from 500 to 2500 EUR. Because the disease is severe and worsens quickly, many affected dogs are euthanized early to prevent suffering.
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 Nemaline Myopathy?
Nemaline Myopathy (NM) is a severe, inherited muscle disorder affecting the skeletal muscles. It is caused by an abnormal accumulation of thread-like protein structures, called nemaline rods, inside the muscle cells. This buildup disrupts the normal structure of the muscle fibers, preventing them from contracting properly and leading to widespread muscle weakness.
How is Nemaline Myopathy tested?
Tests currently in our database: Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.