Acral Mutilation Syndrome

Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) can result in an insensitivity to pain and self-mutilation of the limb extremities. This can present as extreme licking of the paws and biting of the digits and claws developing from a young age (3-12 months). It is possible for a genetically at-risk dog to exhibit none of the symptoms of this syndrome.

Acral Mutilation Syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition caused by a mutation in the GDNF gene.