Muscular dystrophy in dogs
An inherited condition where muscle fibres are structurally weak and break down over time. It causes progressive muscle weakness, wasting, stiffness, difficulty walking and swallowing, and can shorten a dog's life.
2 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with Muscular dystrophy, including Irish Terrier, Japanese Spitz. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 13.0 to 13.5 years.
Muscular dystrophy in dogs: quick facts
- Type
- neurological condition
- Breeds affected
- 2 of the 155 breeds we track
- Severity (as scored)
- Major-welfare or life-threatening
Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, Muscular dystrophy is weighted as a major-welfare or life-threatening condition, so breeds it commonly affects carry a larger hereditary-burden deduction. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.
Breeds commonly associated with Muscular dystrophy (2), ranked by health score
Related neurological conditions
Products that may help
General care products for dogs prone to Muscular dystrophy. Browse on Amazon → Ad
Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.