A distressing diagnosis of CNM
I wonder if you have encountered centronuclear myopathy (CNM)? I purchased a Labrador in good faith at 10 weeks with all checks apparently done. After a few months we noticed we could not get any weight or muscle tone on Grace, and she was unable to jump onto the truck. She was always wagging her tail and eager to go but began to gate at the back end and wobble. At times her back would arch, neck become solid and she would have to sit down.
We had her tested at East Midlands Referrals, where CNM was confirmed. The condition is untreatable, so she will be kept as a pet. After contacting the breeder I was told that the sire was a carrier of the gene but the bitch was clear. After further investigation I was told there had been a mix-up with microchips between two bitches. They have since informed me that Grace’s mother has been spayed.
The test for CNM starts from around £40 and I would recommend anybody who is looking to buy a pup from parents that have not been tested to invest in the test. I now have an 11-month-old dog not fit for purpose, but at least she will live a happy life. How many would be abandoned or put to sleep?
Neil says: I am really sorry to hear of your experience. The mix-up with the microchips is particularly disappointing. CNM is an inherited autosomal recessive genetic disease of Labradors and retrievers. When both parents are carriers about one in four of their offspring will be affected, the rest will be carriers. CNM results in the abnormal development of muscle fibres. Clinical signs are seen as early as two weeks but generally from six weeks to six months. Muscle weakness is most obvious and is especially bad when pups are exposed to stress, exercise or cold. There is an absence of both triceps and patella reflexes and this can be diagnostic. Megaesophagus frequently results, whereby the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach dilates and becomes flaccid, making swallowing difficult and ineffective. It can lead to inhalation pneumonia, which may be fatal. I wish you and Grace health and happiness.