Disease overview

Muscular dystrophy is a group of degenerative muscle disorders that are characterized by progressive muscle dysfunction. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, Type 2F, is an early-onset form that leads to weakness and atrophy of the voluntary muscles in the shoulders and hips.

Gene name

SGCD

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs will show signs of non-painful muscle weakness and wasting over the shoulders and hips. Heart muscles and respiratory muscles can be affected. Age of onset is around 1 to 3 months of age.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Muscle biopsy may be indicated 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

Cox ML, Evans JM, Davis AG, Guo LT, Levy JR, Starr-Moss AN, Salmela E, Hytönen MK, Lohi H, Campbell KP, Clark LA, Shelton GD. Exome sequencing reveals independent SGCD deletions causing limb girdle muscular dystrophy in Boston terriers. Skelet Muscle. 2017 Jul 11;7(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s13395-017-0131-0. PMID: 28697784; PMCID: PMC5506588.

Disclaimer

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