Spinal muscular atrophy in dogs causes progressive muscle weakness from motor neuron degeneration, with gene therapy advances offering hope for conditions previously considered untreatable.
Dogs and cats with hereditary motor neuropathies experience progressive loss of muscle function that affects their ability to engage in all normal activities - play, exploration, and social interaction. Welfare management focuses on maximizing quality of life during function rather than attempting curative treatment not yet available. Physical rehabilitation slows functional decline and maintains the engagement and stimulation that make life meaningful. Genetic screening programs that prevent the birth of affected animals represent the most effective welfare intervention at the population level.