Disorder - Necrotising encephalopathy, subacute, of Leigh in dog

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative Names
Leigh's disease

Brief Description

This is a rare genetic brain damage disorder caused by insufficient energy supply to the brain. Clinical signs such as inability to control muscle movements, difficulties in eating and blindness are shown.

Presenting Signs

Dogs with this disease suffer from a metabolic energy deficiency disorder where the brain is not supplied with sufficient energy. At the age of between six to nine months clinical signs such as an abnormal gait are seen. The dog has difficulties in determining distances, is less agile when turning corners and generally has problems with controlling its movements. The dog may become less sensitive to pain and may lose hearing. The legs, especially the hind limbs, appear to be stiff. As the disease progresses, blindness, difficulties in eating and an inability to stand may arise. Other clinical signs may be running in circles, vocalising and uncontrolled urination. A rare pattern of symptoms such as stiff limbs with apparent fatigue may occur. There may also be signs such as loss of balance and spastic involuntary muscle movements.

Related Disorders

Mitochondrial Myopathy

PubMed References
Necrotising encephalopathy, subacute, of Leigh in dog

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
1097


Contributor
Erica Thurfjell