Inherited lysosomal storage disease in an English springer spaniel

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1992 Jan 15;200(2):194-5.

Abstract

Alpha-L-fucosidosis was diagnosed in a 17-month-old English Springer Spaniel with a history of slow development and progressive visual impairment. Lymphocytes and mononuclear cells with vacuolated cytoplasm were seen in a blood smear and in CSF, respectively. A severe deficiency of alpha-L-fucosidase activities in plasma and leukocytes was determined. Histologic examination revealed vacuolation of neurons, macrophages, and epithelial cells in most organ tissues. Canine fucosidosis is a progressive and fatal lysosomal storage disease in English Springer Spaniels. Affected dogs develop a neurologic disorder characterized by progressive motor and mental deterioration. Visual impairment is an unusual primary sign in a dog with alpha-L-fucosidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breeding
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Cerebral Cortex / ultrastructure
  • Dog Diseases / pathology*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Fucosidosis / pathology
  • Fucosidosis / veterinary*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Peripheral Nerves / pathology
  • alpha-L-Fucosidase / blood*
  • alpha-L-Fucosidase / deficiency

Substances

  • alpha-L-Fucosidase