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Recent Sufferers:
Jarmarhys Black Princess D.O.B 23/11/07
It MUST be noted that this breeder did everything possible to ensure this did NOT occur again.
This was a case no one had any control over whatsoever.
No one was at fault, it could not be foreseen.
WELL DONE MRS. GREEN! You will always have my admiration!
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Details of Myotonia in Chow Chow
Comments
Muscle hypertrophy, stiff gait, dyspnea by 10 to 12 weeks of age, myotonic discharge on EMG.
Inheritance
Autosomal recessive.
References
- · Jones BR, Anderson LJ, Barnes GRG, Johnstone AC, Juby WD (1977) Myotonia in related Chow Chow dogs. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 25: 217-220.
- · Farrow BRH, Malik R (1981) Hereditary myotonia in the Chow Chow. Journal of Small Animal Practice 22: 451-465. ;
Copyright © 2002-2006 David R. Sargan
Information provided by drs20@cam.ac.uk
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- What is Myotonia?
- This disease affects skeletal (voluntary) muscle, such as the muscles of the limbs. Muscles are unable to relax normally following contraction (or electrical stimulation). This results in a stiff, awkward gait, difficulty in rising, and stiff joints.
- How is Myotonia inherited?
- In chow chows, myotonia is believed to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. (Click coloured test left for explanation)
- What breeds are affected by Myotonia?
- Myotonia is seen most often in chow chows. Isolated cases have also been reported in other breeds.
- For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
- What does Myotonia mean to your dog & you?
- While there is no cure for this disease, affected dogs will often remain stable, without worsening of clinical signs, with drug therapy.
- How is Myotonia diagnosed?
- Your veterinarian will suspect this disease if your dog shows the characteristic signs of delayed muscle relaxation. Your dog may have difficulty rising, and a stiff gait (although gait will become more normal as the dog ‘warms up’). Muscles may be hypertophied (large and well-developed) and it may be difficult to flex the limbs. Diagnosis is confirmed by analyzing muscle response to electrical stimulation (electromyography) and by evaluation of muscle biopsies.
- How is Myotonia treated?
- There is no cure for this disease, although drug therapy (eg. procainamide) helps many dogs.
- Breeding advice
- Affected dogs should not be bred. Parents of affected chow chows are carriers, and siblings are suspect carriers, and so should not be used for breeding.
- FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VET.
- Resources
- Kornegay JN. 1995. Disorders of the skeletal muscles. In EJ Ettinger and EC Feldman (eds) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, p.727-736. WB Saunders Co., Toronto.
- Ackerman L. 1999. The Genetic Connection: A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, 122. AAHA Press,Lakewood, Colorado.
- Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 23, 2002.
- This database is a joint initiative of the ~Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the ~Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the ~Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Myotonia can only be confirmed - at this stage - by an EMG scan. (EMG = Electromyogram)
THERE IS NO RECOGNISED CONDITION OR DESCRIPTION CALLED “MYOTONIA LIKE SYMPTOMS”
THERE IS NO FORM OF BLOOD RELATED/DNA TESTING FOR THIS CONDITION IN CHOW CHOWS - KNOWN WORLDWIDE
LINKS BELOW CONCERN HUMAN RESEARCH ON THE DISEASE AND ARE SELF EXPLANATORY.
http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/001424.htm
www.umm.edu/ency/article/002049.htm & http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002052.htm
Please be a responsible steward for our canine companions, once positively identified, please communicate with others to keep track of disease and share information.
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