A nine-week-old saluki puppy was presented to Tufts University School of Ve
terinary Medicine for progressive, generalized weakness and bilateral forel
imb deformities. Examination suggested a diffuse neuromuscular lesion. Cere
brospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed normal nucleated cell count and prote
in level; however, many macrophages had vacuolated cytoplasm. Electromyogra
phy (EMG) recordings suggested denervation in paraspinal and appendicular m
uscles, Tibial motor nerve conduction velocity was normal, but direct evoke
d muscle potential had reduced amplitude, Histopathology revealed diffuse,
symmetrical, degenerative motor neuronopathy of the ventral horn of the spi
nal cord with associated lesions in nerves and muscles. Histopathology was
consistent with an abiotrophy that was likely inherited.