Clinical Comment: Gangliosidosis is a rare metabolic disorder in dogs. It is commonly known as storage disease because dogs that suffer from it lack an enzyme in their brain that helps with the breakdown of old molecules which build up in the brain effecting the nervous system. Generalised symptoms can vary greatly between dogs but can include: lack of coordination, depression, behavioral changes, head shaking, mental dullness, seizures, blindness, deafness, developmental delay. Specific to GM1: proportional dwarfism & neurologic dysfunction ( 6-8 weeks of age). Clinical progression leading to death (< 1 year of age).

Veterinary Comment: Gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disease caused by beta galactosidase deficiency and characterized by progressive neurological deterioration. It is caused by breed-specific mutations. It is commonly known as storage disease because dogs that suffer from it lack an enzyme in their brain that helps with the breakdown of old molecules which build up in the brain effecting the nervous system. Generalised symptoms can vary greatly between dogs but can include: lack of coordination, depression, behavioral changes, head shaking, mental dullness, seizures, blindness, deafness, developmental delay. Specific to GM1: proportional dwarfism & neurologic dysfunction ( 6-8 weeks of age). Clinical progression leading to death (< 1 year of age).

Breed-specific research available: Alaskan Husky, Beagle, English Springer Spaniel, Portugese Water Dog, Shiba Inu