Lissencephaly

What is ... ?: 

 In this condition there is abnormal development of the nerve cells in the brain before birth. Pups with lissencephaly develop seizures, visual deficits (blindness) and unusual behaviours.

How is ... inherited?: 

unknown.

What does ... mean to your dog & you?: 

 The signs that are seen with this rare condition become evident shortly after birth. There are behavioural abnormalities (which can be severe), and the pups develop seizures and are blind.

How is ... diagnosed?: 

Your veterinarian may suspect this condition based on the clinical signs and absence of abnormalities on routine diagnostic tests. The diagnosis can be confirmed by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or on post-mortem.

How is ... treated?: 

 There is no treatment.

For the veterinarian: 

  The gyri and sulci do not form normally, and so the brain surface is nearly smooth.

Breeding advice: 

 Affected animals should not be bred. Although little is known about the inheritance of this rare but devastating condition, it is best to avoid breeding parents or siblings of affected pups.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

Resources: 

 Fenner, W.R. 1995. Diseases of the brain. In S.J. Ettinger and E.C. Feldman (eds.) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, pp. 578-629. W.B. Saunders Co., Toronto.


What breeds are affected by ... ?
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