What Is Storage Disease in Dogs?

1 What It Is and Who Gets It

Neurological storage disease comes from an inherited defect in a specific enzyme, so normal metabolism cannot happen. Dogs and cats can both be affected, though it is extremely rare. Because it is inherited, it commonly appears in puppies and kittens.

Lysosomal storage disease is most often seen in German Shorthaired Pointers, English Pointers, Beagles, Cairn Terriers, Bluetick Coonhounds, and West Highland Terriers. Glycogen storage disease is most common in German Shepherds.

2 Symptoms and Diagnosis

Lysosomal storage disease affects many organs, but neurological problems dominate, such as: 1. failure to thrive, 2. ataxia, 3. seizures, 4. exercise intolerance, 5. behavior changes, 6. vision loss.

Symptoms tied to glycogen storage disease are usually vague and non-specific, such as: 1. problems with growth and muscle development, 2. tendency to faint, 3. seizures.

To diagnose neurological storage disease, your vet may run: 1. complete blood count (CBC), 2. biochemistry panel, 3. urinalysis, 4. chest and abdominal X-rays, 5. abdominal ultrasound, 6. tissue biopsy, 7. enzyme activity measurement.

3 Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for canine neurological storage disease: 1. Weak, dehydrated pets may need fluid and electrolyte support. 2. Glycogen storage disease is mainly managed with diet to control and prevent low blood sugar. 3. For lysosomal storage disease, limiting activity is important. 4. Affected individuals face high risk of secondary infection, so monitor them closely.

Home care and prevention: a good nutrition plan is essential. Daily monitoring of blood sugar, growth, and hydration matters most for glycogen storage disease. Lysosomal storage disease is progressive and ultimately fatal.

Be careful: inbreeding raises the risk of a defective gene running in a dog family. Do not breed affected dogs, and avoid using their parents in any breeding program.