We think we’ve identified a veterinary first in Brodie, a humble one-year-old mongrel who may now be used as a leading light in scientific case literature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We were initially unsure why Brodie, a Beagle-Border Collie crossbreed, was significantly underweight, unresponsive, timid and quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further investigations, including consulting with genetics experts in the UK and USA, enabled us to establish that Brodie is the first crossbreed dog to suffer from a genetic mutation called Imerslund-Gr\u00e4sbeck syndrome, caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our internal medicine specialist, Andrea Holmes, said: \u201cBrodie is one of a kind as he is the first reported crossbreed dog with this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGenetic mutations are often breed-specific so pure-bred dogs are more likely to develop them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor instance, Imerslund-Gr\u00e4sbeck syndrome is reported in Beagles and Border Collies and occasionally other pure-breed dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHowever, Brodie was found to have both the Beagle and Border Collie genetic mutation, making him unique.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrea teamed up with Paragon\u2019s head of neurology, EBVS and RCVS specialist Massimo Mariscoli, to solve the mystery ailment, even consulting with genetics experts in the UK and USA to discuss as they confirmed a veterinary breakthrough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrea added: \u201cBrodie underwent blood tests, analysis of his urine, spinal fluid and vitamin B12 levels plus a CT scan and a genetic test for vitamin B12 deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBrodie\u2019s case was then discussed with an American Professor of Genetics and British Doctor of Genetics who both have a keen interest in this rare genetic condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs a result, it\u2019s highly likely Brodie will now be used as a case report in veterinary scientific literature to increase the awareness of genetic diseases in crossbreed dogs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the diagnosis was perplexing and the testing exhaustive, the solution is perfectly simple \u2013 a daily B12 vitamin tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrea said: \u201cBrodie has made an excellent recovery and should now be able to live a normal, active life<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe is livelier than he ever was and has gained weight to have an ideal body condition. It\u2019s a very satisfying outcome to a highly original case.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We think we’ve identified a veterinary first in Brodie, a humble one-year-old mongrel who may now be used as a leading light in scientific case literature. We were initially unsure why Brodie, a Beagle-Border Collie crossbreed, was significantly underweight, unresponsive, timid and quiet. Further investigations, including consulting with genetics experts in the UK and USA,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2641,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[32],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n