Cardiovascular Health Plan (CV2)

• Cobalamin Malabsorption (B12)

Dogs with vitamin B12 malabsorption cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 from the small intestine and kidneys. Affected dogs have an increase in certain proteins in their urine, however, symptoms may not be readily recognized by owners. Initial signs of this disorder include a loss of appetite, lack of energy, poor weight gain and poor muscle mass. Puppies with this disorder will fail to grow normally. Anaemia can occur. Treatment includes vitamin B12 supplementation. 

• Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef) 

PKDef is an inherited haemolytic anemia caused by a defect in the enzyme pyruvate kinase. Loss of function of this enzyme results in premature death of red blood cells. Affected dogs do not have sufficient quantities of red blood cells to adequately supply the body with oxygen. Clinically, dogs with PKDef present with a severe anemia, increased iron levels, increased bone density, may have an enlarged spleen and liver as well as fibrous connective tissue replacement of bone marrow cells. Bone marrow and liver failure typically occur by 5 years of age. The disease is characterised by lack of energy, dramatic exercise intolerance and post exercise collapse. Affected dogs may have a shortened lifespan due to heart and lung complications. About 3% and 35% of Beagles are affected by and carriers of PKDef, respectively.