Dogs With Down Syndrome
Dogs have feelings just like humans. Many human physical diseases like cardiovascular could be developed to mental issues like depression and anxiety, and dogs share the same thing. What is more surprising is that hounds can also develop Down Syndrome just like humans. In this article, you will find some dogs with down syndrome.
What’s Down Syndrome?
It is an inherited chromosomal condition that presents at birth. That happened when there is an additional copy of chromosome number 21, and that leads to physical and cognitive development. Many health conditions could be developed with people with Down Syndrome, who have a peril with a way that is more than dogs to have such diseases as Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
There are 3 Down Syndrome subtypes called mosaicism, translocation, and trisomy 21. How do chromosomes work? Our DNA molecules are condensed essentially from chromosomes so our cells can be fitted by them. There are twenty-three pairs of chromosomes in our body that determine everything from humans’ disposition for developing certain diseases to our physical appearance.
Humans with Down Syndrome have a partial copy or a 3rd full of chromosome 21, while normal people have one copy of each chromosome from their parents. Trisomy 21 is the most common variation of Down Syndrome among people. This error happens when the pair do not separate normally in the egg within the sperm or the egg during or before getting pregnant. When another chromosome is attached to the additional copy of chromosome number 21, the Translocation happens, which accounts for 4% approximately of Down Syndrome cases.
Can dogs get Down Syndrome?
Honestly, there is no evidence scientifically proving that dogs can have Down Syndrome as that is known in humans. However, there are specific health situations in dogs that could be considered as Down Syndrome.
Firstly, dogs like German Shepherds and certain wolf hybrid breeds can have an autosomal disorder that is happened by the growth hormone deficiency called Pituitary dwarfism. Dogs that have pituitary dwarfism suffer from a small physical stature and kidney failure.
Secondly, a rare disease called congenital heart disease may be caused because of environmental agents and it has many symptoms that depend on the disorder.
Thirdly, inherited a rare disease called Hypothyroidism. It has the same symptoms of Down Syndrome related to the function and formation of organs in addition to metabolism.
In the end, it is significant to know that veterinary genetics evolve continuously. Even though more than three hundred genetic diseases have been discovered after studying the dogs’ genome extensively, it is still very hard to understand that as fully as humans.
How is Down Syndrome similar in humans and dogs?
Dogs share people in the case of developing chromosomal conditions that develop clinical signs just like Down Syndrome’s signs. These signs could cover:
Short legs, visual and hearing problems, less cognitive development, delayed muscular growth, smaller face or head than the normal average.
How is Down Syndrome different in humans and dogs?
Unfortunately, many dogs with Down Syndrome pass away shortly after birth or even before. However, those who survive would probably suffer from pain related to deformed organs and that may affect the process of eating making them not able to eat. Whereas many people who have Down Syndrome can enjoy a very well life.
How can chromosomal conditions like Down Syndrome in dogs be treated and diagnosed?
In fact, it is very hard to be sure if there is a chromosomal abnormality with your dog because only certain specialized facilities could offer that genetic test that will reveal such a disease.
Sadly, there’s no cure for chromosomal abnormalities when they’re congenital. To know surely if your dog has special needs, your vet will proceed with a physical examination.
Your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination to determine if your dog has special needs. Be aware to notify your veterinarian of any clinical signs you have noticed and follow their guidance in a careful way. Sadly, there is no specific treatment, it is just more soothing than curing. That kind of treatment could only calm the dog’s pain and improve the quality of its life as much as possible.
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