Disease overview

Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs have been linked to a mutation in the QIL1 gene. This gene is important for the production of cellular energy in the body, which impacts high energy organs, such as the heart.

Gene name

MICOS13 (also known as QIL1)

Inheritance

Likely autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

This is a spontaneous condition, with no clinical signs before sudden death. Dogs affected by this disease have a window of vulnerability between 3-18 months of age. After 24 months of age, these dogs are no longer at risk.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Due to this disease resulting in a sudden change in heart rhythm a 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitor (Holter) may be required to find the abnormality. Genetic testing can determine if there is a mutation present.

Breeds at higher risk

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Citations

Meurs KM, Friedenberg SG, Olby NJ, Condit J, Weidman J, Rosenthal S, Shelton GD. A QIL1 Variant Associated with Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in the Juvenile Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog. Genes (Basel). 2019 Feb 21;10(2):168. doi: 10.3390/genes10020168. PMID: 30795627; PMCID: PMC6409531.

Wiberg M, Niskanen JE, Hytönen M, Dillard K, Hagner K, Anttila M, Lohi H. Ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in young Leonbergers. J Vet Cardiol. 2020 Feb;27:10-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2019.11.006. Epub 2019 Nov 30. PMID: 31881369.

Cruickshank J, Quaas RL, Li J, Hemsley S, Gunn TM, Moïse NS. Genetic analysis of ventricular arrhythmia in young German Shepherd Dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Mar-Apr;23(2):264-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0265.x. Epub 2009 Feb 5. PMID: 19210315.

Meurs KM, Spier AW, Miller MW, Lehmkuhl L, Towbin JA. Familial ventricular arrhythmias in boxers. J Vet Intern Med. 1999 Sep-Oct;13(5):437-9. doi: 10.1892/0891-6640(1999)013<0437:fvaib>2.3.co;2. PMID: 10499727.

Disclaimer

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