Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS)

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS) is a hereditary disorder in Beagle dogs that affects the development and structure of connective tissue and manifests with extensive fibrosis of the skin and joints. The syndrome is multi-systemic and is involved in defects of multiple organs and tissues, including bone, heart, skin, and muscle. Current evidence suggests that dogs that have two copies of the mutant gene are affected with MLS, making the sindrom a recesive. However the severity of clinical signs can be variable. Dogs inheriting only one copy of the mutant gene can show subtle signs but do not appear to have health-related defects.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: ADAMTSL2 gene

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