B12 Deficiency or Cobalamin Malabsorption
Cobalamin malabsorption is the genetic abnormality by which the vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is not able to be absorbed by the intestine. This condition often occurs secondary to the nonexistence of a specific binding receptor in the lower intestine (the ileum) for essential factor-cobalamin complex (IF-cbl). This is an uncommon disease that tends to affect certain breeds of dogs that are predisposed to it such as the Giant Schnauzer, Beagles and Boarder Collies; however other breeds of dogs can inherit or develop this condition. For example in the case of the Giant Schnauzer, it is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait. (Autosmal - DNA is a term used in genetic genealogy to describe DNA which is inherited from the autosomalchromosomes).
Symptoms and Types
Causes
The cause of this disease is often through genetic inheritancee; however it can develop due to another underlying disease or injury. However, there are generally certain breeds that seem to be at risk for this disease.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your dog, with full blood panel, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. The blood serum will be examined for cobalamin concentration levels; low levels would be suggestive of an absorption malfunction. The serum check will also give suggest that there may be a secondary condition that is affecting the body by how high the levels of white blood cells are in the blood serum. Urinalysis may also suggest a higher than normal level of white blood cells also. You will need to supply your vet with a thorough history of your dog’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms, including any hereditary information you may have discovered from your dogs breeder.
Your veterinarian may discover chronic non-regenerative anaemia, where the dog’s body doesn’t respond to the deficiency of red blood cells, or moderate to severe neutropenia, where the dog’s body is suffering from an abnormal low amount of white blood cells.
Further diagnostic tests may also reveal the failure of cobalamin to absorb is related to other congenital metabolic diseases, or a parasite in the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment
This can easily be on an outpatient basis, with long-term supplementary administration of cobalamin such as tablets or oral liquids. Any other medications such as B12 injections will be as performed by your veterinarian on a regular basis; this depends on the test results.
Cobalamin malabsorption is the genetic abnormality by which the vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is not able to be absorbed by the intestine. This condition often occurs secondary to the nonexistence of a specific binding receptor in the lower intestine (the ileum) for essential factor-cobalamin complex (IF-cbl). This is an uncommon disease that tends to affect certain breeds of dogs that are predisposed to it such as the Giant Schnauzer, Beagles and Boarder Collies; however other breeds of dogs can inherit or develop this condition. For example in the case of the Giant Schnauzer, it is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait. (Autosmal - DNA is a term used in genetic genealogy to describe DNA which is inherited from the autosomalchromosomes).
Symptoms and Types
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Failure to gain weight
Causes
The cause of this disease is often through genetic inheritancee; however it can develop due to another underlying disease or injury. However, there are generally certain breeds that seem to be at risk for this disease.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your dog, with full blood panel, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. The blood serum will be examined for cobalamin concentration levels; low levels would be suggestive of an absorption malfunction. The serum check will also give suggest that there may be a secondary condition that is affecting the body by how high the levels of white blood cells are in the blood serum. Urinalysis may also suggest a higher than normal level of white blood cells also. You will need to supply your vet with a thorough history of your dog’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms, including any hereditary information you may have discovered from your dogs breeder.
Your veterinarian may discover chronic non-regenerative anaemia, where the dog’s body doesn’t respond to the deficiency of red blood cells, or moderate to severe neutropenia, where the dog’s body is suffering from an abnormal low amount of white blood cells.
Further diagnostic tests may also reveal the failure of cobalamin to absorb is related to other congenital metabolic diseases, or a parasite in the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment
This can easily be on an outpatient basis, with long-term supplementary administration of cobalamin such as tablets or oral liquids. Any other medications such as B12 injections will be as performed by your veterinarian on a regular basis; this depends on the test results.
