What it is
Muscles are made of long fibres that contract to move the body. In centronuclear myopathy, these fibres do not mature properly, so they are smaller and weaker than they should be and run out of strength sooner. The nerves are healthy; the problem lies in the muscle itself.
The condition is inherited and present from birth, although its signs only appear once the puppy starts to move about and play.
Everyday life is about pace. Cold and excitement make the weakness worse, so short, gentle outings, a warm spot at home and time to rest between bursts of play help the dog cope. Jumping into the car or onto the sofa can be hard, and the dog may need a lift.
Signs you may notice
- Tires quickly on walks
- Stiff, stilted gait
- Bunny-hops when running
- Carries its head low
- Weaker in the cold
- Thin, underdeveloped muscles
The puppy tires quickly, walks on oddly stiff legs or bunny-hops, carries its head low, and looks even weaker in the cold or when excited. Its muscles may look less developed than those of its littermates.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if a puppy tires much sooner than its littermates, moves stiffly, bunny-hops or seems weaker in the cold. A short video of an episode can help the vet see what you see.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.