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PROGRESSIVE AXONOPATHY

Note for Pet Owners:

This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

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Description
Progressive axonopathy is relatively common in the UK. It is a debilitating, neurological disease, seen in the Boxer breed of dog. 

Cause
Progressive axonopathy is a disorder of the axons of the nerves, and in the Boxer it  is an inherited, autosomal recessive trait. As a result, affected dogs should not be used for breeding. In this condition the axons of the nerves of the peripheral and central nervous systems are enlarged and normal transmission of nerve impulses is adversely affected.

Breed Occurrence
This disease is seen mainly in Boxer dogs. A central axonopathy has also been described in young Labrador retrievers.

Signs

The signs of progressive axonopathy start in the hind limbs and progress to affect all limbs. They occur from 3-4 weeks of age, and include :

  • Loss of the patellar reflex  - c 4 weeks of age)
  • Ataxia (loss of co-ordination of the limbs when moving) - c 8-12 weeks of age 
  • Loss of proprioceptive reflexes
  • Weak muscle tone
  • Hyporeflexia

The signs progressively get worse and euthanasia is sometimes advised, but many dogs will still be suitable as pets if they are able to walk, even though they have an abnormal gait.

Complications
If the dog is unable to move properly it may soil itself with excrement, making the condition an antisocial problem.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis based upon :

  • Clinical signs in the Boxer breed of dog
  • Electrodiagnostic tests on neurological function (measuring nerve impulses; electromyopathy or EMG)
  • Histopathological examination of nerve biopsies

Treatment
There is no specific treatment for this condition.

Prognosis
Guarded as it is a progressive disorder

Long term problems

Damage to feet caused by abnormal gait due to ataxia.

 

Updated October 2013