Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy(SLEM)
Also known as: Spongiform Leucoencephalomyelopathy · Shaking Puppy Syndrome · Shakey Puppy Syndrome · Spongiforme Leukoenzephalomyelopathie · SLEM-Border Terrier · …
Overview
What it is
Spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM), also known as Shaking Puppy Syndrome (SPS), is an inherited disease of the central nervous system. It causes the protective myelin sheath, or white matter, in the brain and spinal cord to break down and develop a sponge-like texture. This degeneration severely disrupts the transmission of nerve signals throughout the dog's body.
How it presents
Affected puppies typically show severe, full-body tremors, coordination issues, and muscle weakness starting between two and eight weeks of age, particularly when they attempt to stand.
Treatment
This progressive disease is currently incurable, with costs for supportive care and diagnostic confirmation typically ranging from 300 to 1,500 EUR. Because the puppy's quality of life declines rapidly, humane euthanasia is usually necessary.
How it's tested
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA 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
12 of 12 breeds
Mandatory testAiredale TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V.
Mandatory testAustralian TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e. V.
Mandatory testBlack Russian TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V.
Mandatory testBorder Terrier
Mandatory testCairn TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT)
Mandatory testJack Russell TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V.
Mandatory testLakeland TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V. von 1894
Mandatory testNorfolk TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V.
Mandatory testNorwich TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V.
Mandatory testScottish TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V.
Mandatory testSkye TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V.
Mandatory testToy Manchester TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V. von 1894
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy?
Spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM), also known as Shaking Puppy Syndrome (SPS), is an inherited disease of the central nervous system. It causes the protective myelin sheath, or white matter, in the brain and spinal cord to break down and develop a sponge-like texture. This degeneration severely disrupts the transmission of nerve signals throughout the dog's body.
How is Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy 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, Australian Terrier, Black Russian Terrier, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Norfolk Terrier.