X-Linked Tremors

The first signs of X-linked tremors are usually observed by 2 weeks of age. Affected males suffer from severe tremors in the body, head, and limbs. The tremors tend to worsen with activity and decline during rest. Affected puppies suffering from tremors have difficulties standing, moving, and eating. The condition is progressive and leads to seizures. The affected dogs are smaller in size than their unaffected littermates. The life expectancy of affected dogs is not likely to be over 3-4 months.

Humane euthanasia for affected male dogs is often elected. Female carriers of the disorder may have mild tremors during puppyhood that resolve by the age of 4 to 6 weeks of age.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disorder is X-linked recessive, meaning the genetic variant is found on the X chromosome. Given males only have one X chromosome, a single affected copy will increase the risk of being diagnosed with the disorder. Females typically require two copies to be at an elevated risk for full clinical signs but are not generally seen due to the poor prognosis for affected males. Use of dogs with one or two copies of the variant is not recommended for breeding as there is a risk that the resulting litter will contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that clinical signs similar to the ones caused by this variant could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.