Fibrinoid Leukodystrophy (Fibrinoid Encephalomyelopathy/Alexander Disease/Rosenthal Fiber Myelopathy)
An extremely rare primary degeneration of nervous elements with a range of clinical signs and disease patterns.
Age of Onset: 3-6 months of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may worsen over time
Clinical signs may worsen over time
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Tremor
Opisthotonos
Stiffness
Movement
Ataxia
Generalized weakness
Drifting to the side
Myotonic spasms
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Reduced menace response
Decreased physiologic nystagmus
Head tilt
Difficulty swallowing
Spinal Reflexes
Reduced to absent spinal reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Urinary incontinence
Respiratory failure
Other
Increased body temperature
Posture and Appearance
Tremor
Opisthotonos
Stiffness
Movement
Ataxia
Generalized weakness
Drifting to the side
Myotonic spasms
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Reduced menace response
Decreased physiologic nystagmus
Head tilt
Difficulty swallowing
Spinal Reflexes
Reduced to absent spinal reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Urinary incontinence
Respiratory failure
Other
Increased body temperature
Diffuse CNS
Suspected autosomal dominant mutation in canine orthologue of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene
For breed specific genetic testing, follow the link below:
https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-health-conditions/alexander-disease#:~:text=This%20disease%20is%20autosomal%20recessive,different%20genetic%20or%20clinical%20cause.
For breed specific genetic testing, follow the link below:
https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-health-conditions/alexander-disease#:~:text=This%20disease%20is%20autosomal%20recessive,different%20genetic%20or%20clinical%20cause.
To read more about this disease click below:
