Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency in Dogs

Pyruvate kinase deficiency, also referred to as PK deficiency, is caused by a lack of pyruvate kinase, a red blood cell enzyme that helps convert glucose into energy when oxygen levels drop. This can lead to red blood cells dying quicker than usual. The cells build up sodium, become swelled and eventually burst. Red blood cells that do not burst can become defective and are eventually destroyed by the liver.

  1. Signs of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

    • The most common sign of PK deficiency is a lack of energy and an unwillingness to exercise. The disease manifests itself when a dog is still a puppy, so these signs of lethargy should be looked at immediately. Other common indicators of the disease are pale mucous membranes, heart murmurs, weakness and muscle deterioration.

    Breeds Most Commonly Affected

    • For a dog to get PK deficiency, both of its parents must be carriers of the recessive gene that causes the disease. This is called an autosomal recessive trait. Basenjis and beagles inherit their genes through autosomal recessive means, and these breeds are most likely to have the defective gene. Other susceptible breeds include the West Highland terrier, American Eskimo dog and the cairn terrier.

    Risk Factors

    • PK deficiency can lead to several other diseases. The most common disease is hemolytic anemia, a disease caused by abnormally short lifespan of red blood cells. Bone marrow also may be depleted or even become scarred by a condition called myelofibrosis. This will eventually lead to bone marrow failure. In late stages of the disease, the liver also is prone to failure.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • This disease can be found through a simple blood test where PK levels are measured in the red blood cells. There also is a genetic test available for basenjis and West Highland terriers to see if they have the disease or if they are carriers of the recessive gene that causes PK deficiency. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease since there is no known cure. Dogs usually live about four years with the condition.

    Breeding Considerations

    • According to QualityDogs.com, affected dogs should be immediately spayed or neutered to prevent the spread of the disease. Breeders of basenjis and beagles should take their dogs in for a blood test or genetic test, if available, to determine if the recessive gene is present. A positive finding will indicate that the dog should not be bred.