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

Breeds Serviced

  • Chow Chow
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Weimaraner

Hypomyelination (Shaking Pup Syndrome)

Hypomyelination is a disease of the central nervous system. Axons are normally well protected by a myelin sheath, but in this group of diseases, this sheath is insufficient. The result is a number of neurological symptoms seen in affected pups including severe tremors.

Two types of hypomyelination have been described to date, Shaking Pup Syndrome in the English Springer Spaniel, and a second type found primarily in the Weimaraner, but also reported in a single study as being found in Chow Chows. The PLP mutation found in Springers leads to progressively worse symptoms and an early death. The FNIP2 mutation associated with the Weimaraner leads to a milder disease that puppies outgrow, appearing outwardly normal as adults.

Breeds with a PLP mutation

  • English Springer Spaniel

Breeds with FNIP2 mutation

  • Chow Chow
  • Weimaraner