Disease overview

Leigh-like Subacute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (SNE), also called Alaskan Husky encephalopathy, is a juvenile-onset disease that results from the same mutation that causes SNE in Yorkshire Terriers. This is a hereditary neurological disease that is fatal, due to the range of central nervous system deficits from which affected dogs suffer.

Gene name

SLC19A3

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs may present with sudden signs, or with chronic, progressive signs that wax and wane. These include seizures, blindness, behavioral changes, tetraparesis, lack of coordination, and numbing of the face. This is a fatal condition.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Neurological tests, including imaging, may be required for a definitive diagnosis. Genetic testing is necessary to determine an underlying genetic cause.

Breeds at higher risk

Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Sled Dog,

Citations

Drögemüller M, Letko A, Matiasek K, Jagannathan V, Corlazzoli D, Rosati M, Jurina K, Medl S, Gödde T, Rupp S, Fischer A, Luján Feliu-Pascual A, Drögemüller C. SLC19A3 Loss-of-Function Variant in Yorkshire Terriers with Leigh-Like Subacute Necrotizing Encephalopathy. Genes (Basel). 2020 Oct 16;11(10):1215. doi: 10.3390/genes11101215. PMID: 33081289; PMCID: PMC7650533.

Disclaimer

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