Disease overview

Upper Airway Syndrome (UAS) is a respiratory disease caused by a mutation in the ADAMTS3 gene. It typically affects the larynx, which controls the flow of air into the trachea and lungs. However, the exact airway changes present with this mutation are still unknown.

Gene name

ADAMTS3

Inheritance

Complex

Signs and symptoms

Dogs with UAS are more likely to develop airway edema, which causes fluid retention in the tissue that lines the airways. Symptoms of respiratory distress may include difficulty breathing and/or more audible upper airway breathing. Other signs include intolerance to heat or exercise and possible collapse from either of these. Cyanosis may occur, which results in the skin and mucous membranes turning a bluish color due to a lack of oxygen being carried to the body by the red blood cells.

How is it diagnosed

UAS is diagnosed by a veterinarian through evaluation of health history and a thorough examination of the dog, including the presence of clinical signs. Genetic testing assists veterinarians with diagnosis and helps breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

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Citations

Marchant TW, Dietschi E, Rytz U, Schawalder P, Jagannathan V, Hadji Rasouliha S, Gurtner C, Waldvogel AS, Harrington RS, Drögemüller M, Kidd J, Ostrander EA, Warr A, Watson M, Argyle D, Ter Haar G, Clements DN, Leeb T, Schoenebeck JJ. An ADAMTS3 missense variant is associated with Norwich Terrier upper airway syndrome. PLoS Genet. 2019 May 16;15(5):e1008102. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008102. PMID: 31095560; PMCID: PMC6521993. Johnson LR, Mayhew PD, Steffey MA, Hunt GB, Carr AH, McKiernan BC. Upper airway obstruction in Norwich Terriers: 16 cases. J Vet Intern Med. 2013 Nov-Dec;27(6):1409-15. doi: 10.1111/jvim.12206. Epub 2013 Sep 30. PMID: 24112556.

Liu NC, Adams VJ, Kalmar L, Ladlow JF, Sargan DR. Whole-Body Barometric Plethysmography Characterizes Upper Airway Obstruction in 3 Brachycephalic Breeds of Dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2016 May;30(3):853-65. doi: 10.1111/jvim.13933. Epub 2016 May 9. PMID: 27159898; PMCID: PMC4913582.

Disclaimer

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