Hereditary Labrador Encephalopathy

Overview

Hereditary Labrador Encephalopathy (HLE) in a novel, genetic neurodegenerative disease, caused by a recessive mutation that segregates in the Labrador retriever breed.

Characteristics and Symptoms

Clinical signs appear before 1 year of age and include fearful/agitated panic-like episodes and seizures, with dogs appearing normal between episodes.

Dogs affected with HLE are responsive to treatment with anti-epileptic medication and the disease does not appear to be progressive.

Prevention

Carriers can be bred from safely, provided they are mated to a dog that has also been tested and is clear of the variant

Possible Test Results :

• Clear
• Carrier
• Affected
• Hereditary Clear
• Hereditary Carrier
• Hereditary Affected

Hereditary Labrador Encephalopathy is an optional test for the following breeds :

• Labrador Retriever