GLOBOID CELL LEUKODYSTROPHY (GCL)
(Krabbe's Disease)
A puppy who has GCL will die, usually before 5 to 6 months old.
There is no treatment.
The signs are inability to control, or paralysis of, the limbs;
stumbling; lack of co-ordination; failure to thrive; possible
blindness; and inability to recognise familiar objects.
It is caused through lack of the white matter of the brain and spinal
column.
ln America a DNA marker has been produced and dogs can be
proved to be clear, a carrier, or affected. The test is not yet
available in the UK, but the Animal Health Trust could initiate this
work if necessary. Only one case has been reported and
authenticated amongst a limited family of no specific breeding
lines.
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