
Jump to section
Leukoencephalomyelopathy is the term for spinal cord degeneration. This disease affects the white matter in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of bodily control, muscle weakness, abnormal body movements, and inability to judge distance or scale.
There’s no definite cause for leukoencephalomyelopathy, though genetics seem to have a hand in determining which dogs are affected. This disease is most common in Rottweilers though other dogs have been known to have similar diseases. While some attempts at treatment have been done, most have been unsuccessful and end in having the dog put down.
Leukoencephalomyelopathy is a disease of the white matter in the brain and spinal cord, primarily in Rottweiler dogs. Other dogs known to be affected by similar diseases include Afghan Hounds, West Highland white terriers, miniature Poodles, Dalmatians, Jack Russell terriers, and fox terriers.
Leukoencephalomyelopathy Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $5,000
Average Cost
$3,000
Because leukonecephalomyelopathy is a specific type of spinal cord disease, there aren’t exactly types of the disease itself. However, the way the disease affects the limbs of the dog can be categorized in two ways:
Top
While the exact cause of leukoencephalomyelopathy is unknown, there are some indications that the disease is inherited in the genetics of the Rottweiler, one reason the disease is primarily breed-specific. Research suggests that the specific genetic indicator is a mutation of the DARS2 gene, which is used to encode a mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase, though there may be other genes involved.
Top
Top
There really aren’t any known treatments that are effective for recovery. Some of the below treatments have been tried, but most cases end in euthanasia.
Top
The likelihood of recovery for Rottweilers with leukoencephalomyelopathy is minimal. Some of the treatment options above may assist in making your animal comfortable, but as the disease progresses symptoms will only become worse. In most cases, the dog’s inability to control its body will progress to the point that euthanasia will be recommended.
Top
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Leukoencephalomyelopathy Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $5,000
Average Cost
$3,000
Top
Ask a Vet
Zeus
Rottweiler
7-10 years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Are there tests or blood work for diagnosing Coon hound paralysis vs Leukoencephalomyelopathy?
July 26, 2017
Zeus 's Owner
0 Recommendations
Coonhound paralysis and Leukoencephalomyelopathy are different conditions with different etiologies. The progression and timeframe of the condition will indicate if it is Coonhound paralysis, Leukoencephalomyelopathy or another condition. Usually, Coonhound paralysis has a spontaneous recovery after three weeks of first showing clinical signs. A spinal tap may be performed to assist in the diagnosis of Coonhound paralysis which would show an increase in protein with normal cell counts. Leukoencephalomyelopathy in Rottweiler’s usually occurs at three years of age with a definitive diagnosis only being made at necropsy (post-mortem). The age of Zeus would rule him out from having Leukoencephalomyelopathy. Kind Regards, Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Was this experience helpful?
Leukoencephalomyelopathy Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $5,000
Average Cost
$3,000
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security