Early-Onset Progressive Polyneuropathy (Discovered in the Alaskan Malamute)

The first observable signs in are voice changes, inspiratory stridor, and pelvic limb weakness with progression to muscle weakness of all four limbs, muscle atrophy, and exercise intolerance beginning about 3 to 19 months of age. Affected dogs are usually reluctant to stand still and climb stairs and eventually progress to tetraparesis. Dogs suffering from this condition have decreased spinal reflexes in all four limbs.

Treatment is supportive care and symptomatic depending on the severity of the dog's clinical signs.

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 disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to be shown. A carrier dog with one copy of the Polyneuropathy mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Polyneuropathy mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Polyneuropathy mutation. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Polyneuropathy mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.