Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of mostly juvenile and young-adult dogs of many breeds and is also observed in Weimaraners and German Wirehaired Pointers. The acute form typically presents with fever, neck pain, and reluctance to move. Although a genetic predisposition is suspected, the specific risk factors are still unclear. In addition, various mostly self-limited bone diseases are seen in young dogs, such as hyperostosis, panosteitis, and metaphyseal osteopathy that lead to fever, lameness, and consequent discomfort signs. Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) has been seen more frequently in German Wirehaired Pointers, while Weimaraners are more likely to develop metaphyseal osteopathy (also known as hypertrophic osteodystrophy, HOD). Possible genetic causes and different inheritance modes have been postulated for these disorders, suggesting differences across breeds.
In an earlier study of a hyperostosis-affected Weimaraner, a rare heterozygous variant in the SLC35D1 gene was reported as the likely cause. This same variant was recently detected in a related breed, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer. These newly reported young-adult dogs mostly show recurrent episodes of unexplained high fever, hindlimb lameness and/or paresis, and SRMA. In the ongoing study, we aim to determine the frequency of this rare SLC35D1 variant in a larger cohort of Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers and Weimaraners with detailed medical records to evaluate it as a possible genetic risk factor for SRMA and hyperostosis in these breeds. Understanding genetic breed predispositions may help to reduce the incidence of the disease through selection and improve the quality of life of affected dogs and their owners.
For participation in our collaborative study, pedigree information and clinical data, including imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis findings of the affected dogs, should be collected to characterize the phenotype in detail. Additionally, we ask for EDTA-blood samples of dogs of these two breeds to be submitted to our biobank.
Partners:
Genetics: Dr. Anna Letko
Clinics: Dr. med. vet. Lara Matiasek, Prof. Dr. med. vet. Daniela Schweizer
Pathology: Prof. Dr. med. vet. Kaspar Matiasek
