Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) is an inherited sensory neuropathy affecting several sporting and companion breeds. The condition is characterised by insensitivity to pain in the feet (acral analgesia), while proprioception, motor abilities and spinal reflexes remain intact. Affected puppies often appear smaller than their healthy littermates.
Early signs include sudden and intense licking, biting or chewing of the paws and toes, which may progress to severe self mutilation. Secondary complications such as ulceration, infections, nail loss, swollen paws and fractures may follow. AMS belongs to the group of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies.
Breeds: Cockapoo, English Cocker Spaniel, English Pointer, English Springer Spaniel, French Spaniel, German Short haired Pointing Dog, German Spitz
Acral Mutilation Syndrome – Spaniel and Pointer Breeds (GDNF variant)
In breeds such as English Cocker Spaniel, English Pointer, English Springer Spaniel, French Spaniel and German Shorthaired Pointer, symptoms typically begin around four months of age. Puppies may lick, bite or injure their paws and toes despite normal proprioception, motor function and spinal reflexes. Some affected dogs show only pain insensitivity without obvious self mutilation, making diagnosis more challenging.
- Age of onset: 4 months
- Gene: GDNF
- Mutation: C to T
- Literature: OMIA 001514 9615
Acral Mutilation Syndrome – German Spitz (RETREG1 variant)
In German Spitz breeds, including Pomeranian and Miniature Spitz, AMS usually appears between six and nine months of age. Early signs may include persistent licking of a paw, progressing to loss of pain response, chronic skin injuries and self mutilation of toes. Severe cases may result in spontaneous or surgical toe amputations. Gait abnormalities and proprioceptive deficits may develop in later stages.
- Age of onset: 6 to 9 months
- Gene: RETREG1
Important Note
Although both genetic variants are listed under Test 8038, only the variant relevant to the breed submitted will be performed.
