Leukoencephalomyelopathy / LEMP (NAPEPLD-related) - Rottweiler and Great Dane

What does this test examine?

This genetic test analyses the NAPEPLD c.345_346insC insertion in the Rottweiler and Great Dane. The condition is described as leukoencephalomyelopathy, LEMP and NAPEPLD-related white matter disease.

What does this condition mean?

LEMP is a severe disorder of the white matter in the central nervous system. Dogs can develop progressive gait abnormalities, knuckling, paw dragging, hypermetria, ataxia and increasing mobility restriction.

Practical value of this test

• The result shows whether the dog is clear, a carrier or genetically affected for the tested variant.
• Breeders can identify carriers and avoid combinations that can produce affected puppies.
• In breeds where the variant occurs, DNA testing helps identify risk before clinical signs or breeding problems arise.
• The test is useful for breeders who want to identify carriers in Rottweiler and Great Dane lines and avoid matings that can produce affected puppies.

Inheritance and interpretation

The trait is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. One copy means carrier status. Two copies mean the genotype interpreted as affected or high risk for this disorder in the known breed context.