Canine giant axonal neuropathy; some aspects of its clinical, pathological and comparative features

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Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy is a newly discovered, neurological disease of the Alsatian which is probably inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The clinical features of the disease, its differential diagnosis and pathology are discussed in this review. First signs of weakness and ataxia appear in the hind legs of affected dogs at 14–15 months with areflexia, atrophy and diminution of pain sensation. The development of mega‐oesophagus appears to be a cardinal feature of the disease. Distal tibial nerve biopsy demonstrates multifocal axonal swellings which result from neurofilament accumulation. Similar lesions are seen at the ends of motor and sensory tracts in the central nervous system. The pathogenesis of this axonopathy is unknown but the possible causes are discussed and the comparative features of the disease presented.