Disease overview

Lundehund Syndrome is an inherited gastrointestinal condition caused by a mutation that affects neuroendocrine cells in the intestinal tract. This disease leads to stomach and intestinal problems, similar to inflammatory bowel disease.

Gene name

LEPREL1

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss. There may be fluid retention in the limbs, as well as in the abdomen. Signs can appear at any age, though typically around 2 to 10 years of age.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. An examination of the gastrointestinal tract with imaging or a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Metzger J, Pfahler S, Distl O. Variant detection and runs of homozygosity in next generation sequencing data elucidate the genetic background of Lundehund syndrome. BMC Genomics. 2016 Aug 2;17:535. doi: 10.1186/s12864-016-2844-6. PMID: 27485430; PMCID: PMC4971756.

Disclaimer

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