VetGen - The leader in veterinary genetic disease research and genetic disease detection services for purebred animals

Breeds Serviced

  • Cairn Terrier
  • Irish Setter
  • West Highland White Terrier

GLD-Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy

Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GLD) (Galactocerebrosidase deficiency, Galactosylceramide lipidosis, Krabbe disease) is an autosomal-recessive genetic lysosomal storage disease that results in neurological disease of dogs characterized by peripheral nerve, spinal cord and cerebellar dysfunction.

Clinically affected dogs are often young (3 - 18 months of age) and present with poor weight gain, progressive peripheral neuropathy including ataxia, leg crossing, tremors and paresis which worsens with exercise.Behavioral changes, blindness, dementia, anorexia, cachexia, urinary incontinence and muscle weakness affecting all four limbs are usually present in terminal stages of the disease with death occurring 2 - 6 months after onset of clinical signs, necessitating euthanasia.