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Croatian veterinary report, Vol. 34 No. 2, 2026.

Review article

Hereditary breeding diseases in large breed dogs: degenerative myelopathy and polyneuropathy

Sven Menčik ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Mihovila Balen ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Anamaria Ekert Kabalin ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Mario Ostović orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-0253-0000 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Velimir Sušić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Hrvoje Capak orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-6128-7365 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Lidija Medven Zagradišnik orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-6182-6015 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Maja Maurić Maljković ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Vlahek ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Hereditary diseases are becoming increasingly common in large breed dog breeding due to the reduced genetic variability within individual breeds. Over centuries, inbreeding, the presence of mutations, and the increased frequency of potentially harmful gene variants (alleles) have affected health and resistance traits, particularly in large dog breeds. Testing individuals with the most advanced molecular genetic methods is essential for understanding the genotype, the origin of the disease, and the most effective breeding strategies, including tailored treatment, especially in cases of neurodegenerative diseases in large breed dogs, such as degenerative myelopathy and polyneuropathy. The diversity of alleles in dog breeds highlights the need for further research, particularly into the role of individual dominant or recessive alleles. Comparative genetic studies aim to expand knowledge about the impact of existing mutations on genetic variability at specific loci of interest, all with the goal of preserving the breed and improving the health and welfare of dogs.

Keywords

dog; hereditary diseases; degenerative myelopathy; polyneuropathy

Hrčak ID:

348106

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/348106

Publication date:

19.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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