Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy in Dogs (JLPP)

Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (JLPP) is a hereditary neurological disorder affecting specific dog breeds, particularly Rottweiler puppies and Russian Terriers. Passed genetically from parent to litter, JLPP is not contagious. This serious condition affects the dog’s nervous system progressively, leading to life-limiting symptoms usually appearing shortly after weaning.

Sadly, JLPP has no cure or effective treatment and typically results in euthanasia before the affected puppies reach their first birthday due to severe discomfort and declining quality of life. Understanding the inheritance and risk factors of JLPP is vital for responsible breeders and prospective puppy buyers to prevent perpetuating this condition.

What is juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy?

JLPP is a systemic neurological disease characterised by paralysis starting with the longest nerves, particularly those controlling the larynx (voice box). This early paralysis causes difficulty breathing with noisy inhalation sounds and problems swallowing, which raises the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. Exercise intolerance is common from the outset.

As JLPP progresses, it moves from the larynx muscles to affect hind limbs, leading to weakness, trembling, and difficulty in walking or standing. Later, front limb nerves become involved, severely limiting the dog’s mobility. Symptoms appear early, often within 3 months of age, shortly after weaning.

Which dogs are affected by JLPP?

This condition mainly affects the Rottweiler breed and the Russian Black Terrier. The Rottweiler is the breed most at risk in the UK due to its higher population, while cases in Russian Terriers are rarer but documented. Both male and female puppies can be equally affected.

How is JLPP inherited?

JLPP follows an autosomal recessive inheritance. This means the defective gene must be inherited from both parents for the puppy to be affected. Dogs are classified as clear, carrier, or affected:

• Breeding two affected dogs results in 100% affected puppies.
• Two clear dogs produce only healthy litters free of JLPP.
• Two carrier dogs produce offspring with about 25% affected, 50% carriers, and 25% clear puppies.
• An affected dog bred to a clear dog produces only carrier pups.
• An affected dog bred to a carrier produces 50% affected and 50% carrier puppies.
• A clear dog bred to a carrier results in 50% clear and 50% carriers.

Breeding and buying healthy puppies

As JLPP is fatal early in life, breeding affected dogs is generally avoided. However, carriers can unknowingly continue to pass the gene causing JLPP. Responsible breeding requires thorough DNA testing of parent dogs to identify their JLPP status. Ideally, only clear parents should be bred to prevent affected litters.

In some cases, carrier dogs may be bred to clear dogs to maintain genetic diversity, but with strict protocols to prevent affected pups perpetuating the disease. Prospective puppy buyers interested in Rottweiler puppies or Russian Terrier puppies should always enquire about health screening and DNA testing results to ensure the pup is clear or responsibly managed as a carrier.

Purchasing a carrier pup means the dog will be healthy but should not be bred unless the mating partner’s status is known and proper testing is planned for any resulting litters. This approach helps reduce incidence of JLPP and promotes responsible dog ownership.