Species: Dog
Condition: Acral Mutilation Syndrome
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
Acral mutilation syndrome is a disorder in which dogs lose the ability to feel pain in their feet. They begin to chew at their toes and feet to the point where they become mutilated, but continue to walk on the affected limbs without any pain. There is no cure for this condition and no way to stop affected dogs chewing at their legs. The disorder generally becomes apparent at around 3 to 5 months. As the damage to the legs becomes increasingly serious, the kindest option is to have your dog put to sleep. Ideally you should make the owner(s) of your dog’s parents aware as neither they nor your dog’s siblings should be used for breeding.
Breeds exposed to Acral Mutilation Syndrome – Research Reference
Dachshund Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Dachshund – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Acral Mutilation Syndrome or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
