Siberian Husky Polyneuropathy, Type 1
About the condition.
Multiple types of polyneuropathies have been described in Siberian Husky dogs. Together with the University of California Davis, we have recently identified a genetic variant associated with one form of polyneuropathy, now termed Siberian Husky Polyneuropathy, Type 1 (SHPN1).
SHPN1 often shows a juvenile onset (before 2 years of age). Affected may dog suffer from slowly worsening gait abnormalities (ataxia) and muscle weakness and atrophy. As the disease progresses, affected dogs may become increasingly immobile and develop muscle tremors and/or contractures. Unlike many other forms of polyneuropathy, SHPN1 affected dogs do not appear to develop laryngeal paralysis.
We now offer genetic testing for SHPN1, which allows owners to determine their dog’s status for this variant (clear, carrier, or affected/susceptible) in order to guide future breeding decisions and to more definitively diagnose affected dogs. Based on current data, SHPN1 is most likely inherited in a partially penetrant autosomal recessive manner. Autosomal recessive means that two copies of the mutation are required to show signs of disease; partially penetrant means that not all genetically affected/susceptible dogs will show obvious clinical signs in their lifetime.