Dyserythropoietic Anemia and Myopathy Syndrome (DAMS) - Labrador Retriever

Dyserythropoietic Anemia and Myopathy Syndrome(DAMS) is an early onset autosomal recessive inherited disease. Clinical signs of the disease in Labrador Retrievers are marked microcytosis, inappropriate metarubricytosis, pelvic limb weakness, muscle atrophy without cardiomyopathy, megaesophagus and regurgitation. Physical and neurologic examinations are otherwise normal. Affected dogs lose weight due to muscle atrophy. The disease is also present in English Springer Spaniels which have more pronounced clinical signs and are usually euthanized at 3 years of age. Labrador retrievers are clinically doing well even at 6 years of age, the only treatment they usually receive is for megaesophagus.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: EHBP1L1 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.