Muscle dystrophy is a broad term that describes a group of primary skeletal muscle diseases that result in progressive degeneration of muscles.
X-linked muscular dystrophy associated with dystrophin deficiency is an inherited and non-inflammatory, generalized myopathy, commonly seen in golden retrievers, Irish terriers, Pembroke Welsh corgis, Samoyeds, rottweilers, Belgian shepherds, rat terriers, Brittany spaniels, Labrador retriever, German short-haired pointers, and miniature schnauzers.
This hereditray disorder is characterized by dystrophin deficiency. Dystrophin is an structural muscle-membrane protein. It supports muscle fiber strength and helps to prevent muscle fiber injury.
This condition affects more male dogs when female dogs. In addition, this disorder is primarily seen in newborn dogs or those less than one year old.
Symptoms of X-linked dystrophin deficiency include
Vomiting
Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
Exercise intolerance
Abnormal gait
Muscle wasting
Increased muscle mass of some muscles (e.g., tongue)
Aspiration pneumonia (caused by choking on vomit material)
Hunched back
Sway back
Ineffective suckling in newborns
Heart failure
