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 lissencephaly inherited?
unknown
What breeds are affected by lissencephaly?
This rare condition occurs in the lhasa apso, Irish setter, and wire-haired fox terrier.
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does lissencephaly 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 lissencephaly 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.
For the veterinarian: The gyri and sulci do not form normally, and so the brain surface is nearly smooth.
There is no treatment.
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.
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.
Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 30, 2001.This database is a joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.