What is Down's syndrome?
The term Down syndrome refers to a complex of symptoms characteristic of one or more diseases. The disorder is caused by a chromosomal abnormality. In general, humans have 46 chromosomes, half of which come from a sperm and half from an egg. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21 (hence the name trisomy 21) in the nucleus of their cells, meaning they have 47 chromosomes instead of 46. This extra chromosome can be copied in whole or in part.
Among the features characteristic of Down syndrome are:
- altered facial features, flat occiput, flat bridge of nose, flat profile, wide set, small and narrow eyes resembling almonds, as well as short neck and small ears
- various symptoms of cognitive dysfunction
- less muscle tension
- very flexible ligaments
- large tongue (often sticking out of the mouth)
- heart defects
- hearing loss
- eye diseases (e.g. cataracts and myopia)
- sleep apnea
- anemia
- epilepsy
- leukemia
- Hirschsprung horoba, that is, a congenital disorder of the innervation of the large intestine.
Symptoms that may resemble Down's syndrome in your dog
Although Down's syndrome has not been found in dogs to date, they may suffer from genetic defects that cause similar symptoms, such as:
- dwarfism
- deformed facial features (flat), unnatural shape of the eyes, short neck deformed ears, disproportionately small head or unusually wide head
- hearing problems
- cognitive impairment
- night blindness
- narcolepsy
- cataract
- protruding tongue
- skin diseases (including stains, allergies)
- weak muscle tone
- slower development (relative to puppies from the same litter)
- limb deformity, abnormal gait
- behavioral problems (including excessive barking, wailing, constant howling or very frequent whining)
- hypothyroidism, which occurs as a result of unusually low or absent levels of thyroid hormones during childbirth and early life of a puppy.
Dog with Down's syndrome - can dogs have Down's syndrome?
Each species, both humans and animals, has a certain number of chromosomes that contain all the genetic information of an organism. While humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, dogs are born with 39 pairs (chromosome 21 is not present in dogs). In fact, in dogs, chromosomes are shared in the same way as in humans, half by the father and half by the mother, and the way they duplicate them differs from species to species. And while there is a theoretical possibility for an extra chromosome to form in dogs' DNA, there is no conclusive scientific evidence for such a chromosome.
No thorough research or genetic testing has been carried out to check this genetic deformity. Unlike people in whom Down's syndrome is thoroughly studied and documented, canine DNA abnormalities are very difficult to diagnose. This is because most dogs with this type of genetic disorder either die early in the first few months of life or are stillborn. Only a few cases of trisomy have been reported in bitches. It has been found that this change contributes to infertility and oestrus disturbances
Diagnosis and treatment
At any stage of a puppy's development, consult a veterinarian if any disturbing changes or unusual symptoms appear. It is worth carefully describing all the observed symptoms (similar to Down's syndrome). Generally, the veterinarian will order a blood test or the collection of body fluids in order to make a diagnosis. After receiving the diagnostic report, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate therapy. Then he will instruct you on the dosage of drugs, nutrition, forms of care, exercise plan and the schedule of follow-up visits.
Most genetic diseases cannot be completely cured, but early diagnosis increases the chance of improving your pet's quality of life. It is extremely important to strictly follow the doctor's instructions (e.g. appropriate dosage of drugs and their regular supplementation). It should also be remembered that behavioral problems in a four-legged friend also require specialist consultation or therapy. Caring for a sick pet requires a lot of dedication, attention and patience. Its scope depends, of course, on the type of diseases affecting the quadruped. In any case, however, it is worth taking care of a balanced diet, optimal conditions for rest and fun, a properly selected amount and form of physical and mental activity (safe activities), proper care and regular examinations in a veterinary office.
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