Inherited Myopathy of Great Danes (IMGD)

Disease overview

Inherited Myopathy of Great Danes (IMGD) is a disorder of the skeletal muscles. IMGD compromises the production of a protein responsible for remodeling cell membranes. Without this protein, muscle cells do not form properly, and muscles malfunction and become damaged during growth.

Gene name

BIN1

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

IMGD presents around 6 months of age and progresses rapidly. Signs include weakness, muscle wasting, and exercise intolerance. Severity of the disease can range from severe (requiring euthanasia) to moderate (symptoms can stabilize).

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. 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

Great Dane

Citations

Böhm J, Vasli N, Maurer M, Cowling BS, Shelton GD, Kress W, Toussaint A, Prokic I, Schara U, Anderson TJ, Weis J, Tiret L, Laporte J. Altered splicing of the BIN1 muscle-specific exon in humans and dogs with highly progressive centronuclear myopathy. PLoS Genet. 2013 Jun;9(6):e1003430. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003430. Epub 2013 Jun 6. Erratum in: PLoS Genet. 2013 Jun;9(6). doi:10.1371/annotation/22ca13f1-1ce9-4bb5-9c9e-98670f7c4240. Cowling, Belinda [corrected to Cowling, Belinda S]. PMID: 23754947; PMCID: PMC3675003.

Disclaimer

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