|
Symptoms of Inherited Polyneuropathy in the Leonberger Dog
Two symptoms of Inherited Leonberger Polyneuropathy are laryngeal paralysis and rear weakness or lack of coordination. They do not usually appear at the same time and LP is observed by way of coughing after eating or drinking, or a slight bark change sounding like the dog is hoarse, and louder or heavier breathing then you would expect after minor exercise. Some young dogs will not be able to play or walk as long as you think they should. They have to stop and rest. Veterinarians who are not experienced with LP will make the mistake of telling you because the dog does not have the “stridor” he does not have LP. The “stridor” is the end stage of LP, not the beginning. We’ve been told by the specialists who do the emergency surgeries on these dogs that many veterinarians are not used to recognizing the problem before the dog is in crisis.
Polyneuropathy may initially be so mild that many owners will miss it, sometimes just becoming used to the very gradual changes taking place. You may notice your Leo taking just a split second extra to put a foot down when he walks – like his movement is off a beat. You may see her stumble when backing up or occasionally dragging a rear foot. Minor things can start years before the major ones.
The disease affects both males and females. It has both an early onset (1-3 years) as well as a later onset (past 7 years). And yes we are sure it is the same disease. Most affected dogs seem to fall into the 3-5 year range to begin showing symptoms. We know that older onset Leos can still produce early onset offspring. We know that some Leos are affected very mildly while others in the same litter are affected very severely. We know that ILP has victims from the US, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, the UK, and Canada and probably other countries as well. If you are seeing symptoms in your Leonberger, these questions may help you speak with your veterinarian.
LP/PN · does my dog quickly tire after exercise? A young dog should be able to run and play for a fairly long time in normal weather. · has his “bark” changed over the past year. Does he sound “hoarse” now when he barks? · is he panting more than he used to, especially after excitement? · is his breathing getting louder, so that you find yourself raising your voice when he is in a room with you so you can be heard above his breathing? · is he “awkward”, sometimes tripping over his own feet? · do you sometimes notice “something just not quite right“ for a second or two, when you watch him move around your yard? You’ll notice it more while he is walking not trotting. · is he “high stepping” with his rear legs? Does he look like he is trying to walk through high grass, lifting his knee up high and then plopping his foot down on the ground? · does your vet tell you “it’s probably just arthritis” when you ask about his gait? Or that he is an older dog and they all sound loud when they pant? · have you been told he has allergies or tonsillitis or has he had cruciate ligament problems? Many of the ILP dogs have been misdiagnosed with allergies or tonsillitis when the actual problem is that LP can cause the symptoms of allergies and tonsillitis. A number have also had cruciate ligament surgeries possibly due to injury from the lack of muscle mass.
LP and PN are symptoms rather than separate diseases, and can also be caused by diseases such as hypothroidism which is very easily treated. If you are noticing any of the above symptoms in either a young or old Leo, please don’t be misled into thinking they are only due to his being a “large breed” or an “old dog”. “Old age” isn’t a disease and the above symptoms are not “normal.” Contact the LCA Health Committee for help and more information or ask your vet to contact Dr. Diane Shelton, the researcher working with the LCA on ILP syndrome or Dr. Cord Drögemüller, Institut for Genetics, University of Berne, Switzerland. Dr. Shelton’s contact Dr. Drögemüller, University Berne, Switzerland phone
# 858-534-1537 phone ++41 31 631 25 29
|