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

Breeds Serviced

  • Brazilian Terrier
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • Dachshund-Standard Wirehaired
  • Plotthound
  • Poodle-Miniature
  • Poodle-Toy
  • Schipperke

Mucopolysaccharidosis

Mucopolysaccharidosis is a rare inherited autosomal recessive metabolic disorder found in the German Shepherd dog and a few other breeds and is characterized by clouding of the corneas and skeletal deformities. The disease causes an accumulation of mucopolysaccharides, or glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) due to the impaired functioning of lysosomal enzymes that break down GAGs which help build bones, cartilage, skin, tendons, corneas and the fluid responsible for lubricating joints. Symptoms include dwarfism, severe bone disease, including facial deformity, degenerative joint disease, enlarged liver and eye cloudiness.