Necrotizing Myelopathy, Spinal Cord Necrosis

Spinal cord necrosis is an inflammatory hereditary (simple autosomal recessive) disease of the spinal cord has been described in Kooiker dog, Great Danes, and Afghan hounds

The disease can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases or malignant tumors such as leukemia, although in some cases the cause cannot be established. Necrotizing myelopathy can affect both sexes. Clinical signs begin at three to 12 months old and usually includes progressive partial paralysis of the hindlimbs due to death of nervous tissue of the spinal cord.

Dogs suffering from hereditary necrotizing myelopathy and their direct offspring should be excluded from breeding.

References:
1. Hereditary necrotizing myelopathy in Kooiker dogs. Mandigers PJ, Van Nes JJ, Knol BW, Ubbink GJ, Gruys E.
2. Inherited necrotizing myelopathy of Afghan hounds. Averill DR Jr, Bronson RT.