Progressive Axonopathy

A neuron is a basic nerve cell of the nervous system. All neurons have one axon. An axon is an extension, usually long and slender, of a neuron capable of conducting nervous impulses. Axons can conduct impulses over great distances away from the cell body. Only ends of axons (terminals) can release neurotransmitters and stimulate other neurons. When neurons are injured by toxins of metabolic derangement, the frequent outcome is axonal degeneration or axonopathy.

Although the biochemical mechanisms underlying axonal degeneration are unknown, some progress has been made in recent years in understanding the biochemical events that precede and accompany axonal degeneration in certain toxic neurological disorders, especially those associated with repeated exposure to acrylamide. Acrylamide (ACR) is a water-soluble, vinyl monomer that has multiple chemical and industrial applications: e.g., waste water management, ore processing. In addition, ACR is used extensively in certain foods that have been prepared at very high temperatures (dry pet food). Extensive studies in rodents and other laboratory animals have provided evidence that exposure to monomeric ACR causes cellular damage in both the nervous and reproductive systems, and produces tumors in certain hormonally responsive tissues.

Dietary Neurotoxins

Consumption of some food and beverages can in some cases lead to intoxication and disease. A number of "dietary neurotoxins", compounds that naturally or through human intervention find their way into food and beverages include domoic acid, isoquinolines, carbolines, and several pesticides, and two alcohols, methanol and ethanol, which can cause severe neurotoxic effects in adults and the developing fetus.

Signs of Progressive Axonopathy

In the progressive axonopathy, an inherited neurological disease of Boxer dogs, onset of clinical signs occurs at about 2 months of age. There is a progressive lack of coordination, weakness in the hind limbs, later involving all four limbs. Muscle and tendon reflexes are diminished or absent. Absent knee reflexes can be detected at 1 month of age. Signs slowly progress until animals are 12 to 18 months of age, and then tend to stabilize. A disorder with similar clinical signs and clinical course has been observed in young Rottweiler and Pyrenean Mountain dogs.

Treatment of Progressive Axonopathy

There is no treatment for this condition. The prognosis is poor.

References:
REF FILE #DH-128-67