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MLS Disease

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome, often referred to as MLS, is a muscular disorder that affects many beagles. It usually shows up in some form early in life. MLS is a genetic disorder, but knowing more about MLS ahead of time can help pet owners properly deal with the problems that could eventually arise.

  1. History

    • Musladin-Lueke Syndrome was first identified in the early 1990s by Dr. Tony Musladin, Dr. Judy Musladin and Ada Lueke. The syndrome was named after the three, and extensive genetic study has continued at the University of California Davis.

    Description

    • MLS in beagles is a genetic disorder that often shows some easily identifiable signs in puppies as young as 3 weeks old. It affects multiple systems and once visible signs show, the symptoms tend to get progressively worse until the puppy is 1 year old, at which point it stabilizes in most dogs. MLS is caused by a mutated gene and occurs in dogs that have two copies of this gene.

    Symptoms

    • Normally, beagles affected with MLS will have short outer toes that cause them to walk more upright than normally on their front feet. All four feet are usually affected, but this isn't always the case--only one or two may be affected. Many beagles affected by MLS also feel hard or tight due to the tight skin, tendons and muscles that are affected by MLS. Other symptoms include the appearance of the tail and head.

    DNA Test

    • DNA tests are available to test for MLS in beagles. These kits are available from the UC-Davis Veterinary Laboratory and actually provide three different readings. An N/N reading means the dog doesn't have MLS and doesn't carry the gene at all. A reading of N/MLS means the dog is not affected, but it does carry the gene. A reading of MLS/MLS means the dog is affected with MLS.

    Genes and Mating

    • The results of the DNA test can allow breeders to get a better idea of what they can expect. Two genetically clean dogs will only produce clean puppies who don't carry the gene at all. If one dog is a carrier and used in mating, approximately half of the puppies will be carriers to the gene, and if two dogs who are both carriers have it, then at least 25 percent of the puppies will most likely be affected by MLS while another 50 percent are carriers.

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