Gangliosidosis (Storage Disease)

Overview

Storage disease in dogs is a condition that causes the dog’s digestive system to over store nutrients and fat. The dog’s enzymes that would usually break these down are either inefficient or not functioning at all.

Storage disease in dogs is known as gangliosidosis within the medical community.

Gangliosidosis directly effects the dog’s nervous system and is fatal in all cases.

Fortunately, this condition is quite rare amongst UK dog breeds. With the condition being fatal, it’s rarity is a saving grace.

Gangliosidosis storage disease is both genetic and hereditary. Dogs may carry the gene without incident only to pass it down the bloodline to another generation.

There are a number of dog breeds that are more likely to carry the gene due to breeding practices seen in the 20th century.

Symptoms

Gangliosidosis is a condition that is diagnosed very early in a puppy’s life. Comparing the puppy in question with it’s litter-mates will highlight noticeable differences.

These differences normally present themselves in some of the following ways:

Stunted growth.
Noticeable lethargy.
Poor vision or blindness.
Poor coordination.
Bloating

Storage diseases in dogs tend to present themselves within the first 9 months of a puppy’s life.

A test of the dog’s enzymes by a UK veterinarian will confirm if the symptoms seen are a result of gangliosidosis storage disease.

Affected Breeds

Gangliosidosis in UK dogs is more prevalent in certain breeds than others as mentioned above.

The reason for this is a genetic issue that is closely associated to deformities of enzymes based on the dog’s bloodline.

Gangliosidosis is a recessive hereditary disease meaning that both parents of the puppy may be showing no symptoms of the disease but still carry the gene.

The most commonly affected breeds are:

Whilst this list is accurate, it is important to remember that this condition can happen in any breed and is carried in the puppy’s DNA.

Supporting good breeding practices is the only way that we may see storage disease disappear from our dogs one day in the future.

Treatment

Sadly, there are no current treatments available for dogs suffering from gangliosidosis storage disease.

Research is suggesting that gene therapy may one day be used to treat the condition. However, this is in it’s earliest stages and nothing is expected to be commercially available within the next 5 years (as of 2020).

Treatment Success Rate

This condition is seen to be fatal in 100% of cases both domestically and internationally.

This is because there is no known cure or therapy that can be administered or is likely to be available anytime soon.

It is with great regret that euthanasia is the kindest option for any puppy diagnosed with gangliosidosis.