Disease overview

Methemoglobin is a product of iron oxygenation and is a form of hemoglobin which does not carry oxygen. In healthy animals, methemoglobin is converted back to hemoglobin, but this process is disturbed in methemoglobinemia. This disease is characterized by an increased amount of methemoglobin in the blood and inadequate oxygen supply to multiple tissues in the body.

Gene name

CYB5R3

Inheritance

Likely autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Clinical signs of methemoglobinemia include lethargy, a rapid heart rate and respiratory rate, brown discoloration of the mucous membranes, jaundice, ataxia, and even death. Another characteristic sign of methemoglobinemia is the color of the blood, which has a brownish hue instead of the typical red color.

How is it diagnosed

Methemoglobinemia is suspected based on clinical signs, particularly the brown discoloration of mucous membranes and blood. A history of toxin ingestion can also help to diagnose the non-genetic version of methemoglobinemia. Definitive diagnosis is made via a blood test for methemoglobin.

Breeds at higher risk

Current data does not indicate that specific breeds are at a higher risk.

Citations

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31650629/

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.