Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy in Dogs (JLPP)

Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (JLPP) is a genetic neurological disorder primarily found in certain dog breeds, especially Rottweiler puppies and Black Russian Terriers. It is inherited from parents to offspring and is not contagious. This progressive condition affects the nervous system and usually manifests with symptoms shortly after weaning.

Unfortunately, JLPP currently has no cure or effective treatment options. Affected puppies often face euthanasia before their first birthday due to severe health decline and discomfort. For American breeders and prospective owners, understanding the inheritance pattern and risk factors of JLPP is crucial to help prevent its spread.

What is Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy?

JLPP is a systemic neurological illness that begins with paralysis of the longest nerves, notably those controlling the larynx (voice box). Early signs include labored breathing marked by noisy inhalation and swallowing difficulties, which heighten the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. Puppies often show reluctance to exercise from an early stage.

The disease then progresses from the laryngeal muscles to the hind limbs, causing weakness, trembling, and troubles with walking or standing. As it advances, front limb nerves are also affected, drastically reducing mobility. Symptoms typically appear within the first 3 months of life, shortly after weaning.

Which Breeds Are Most Affected by JLPP in the USA?

This disorder chiefly impacts the Rottweiler and the Black Russian Terrier. In the United States, Rottweilers are more frequently affected due to their larger population, while cases in Black Russian Terriers, although documented, are less common given their smaller numbers. Both male and female puppies can be equally vulnerable to JLPP.

Additionally, there have been isolated reports of JLPP in breeds like the Alaskan Husky, showing the condition's genetic scope in the US canine population.

How Is JLPP Passed Down?

JLPP exhibits an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means a puppy must inherit two copies of the defective gene—one from each parent—to develop the disorder. Dogs fall into three categories based on their genetics: clear (no defective gene), carrier (one defective gene, no symptoms), and affected (two defective genes, showing symptoms).

• Breeding two affected dogs results in 100% affected puppies.
• Breeding two clear dogs results in litters free of JLPP.
• Breeding two carriers results in approximately 25% affected puppies, 50% carriers, and 25% clear puppies.
• Breeding an affected dog to a clear dog produces only carrier puppies.
• Breeding an affected dog to a carrier results in about 50% affected and 50% carrier puppies.
• Breeding a clear dog to a carrier produces 50% clear and 50% carrier puppies.

Guidelines for Breeding and Buying Healthy Puppies

Because JLPP is fatal early in life, breeding dogs known to be affected is discouraged. However, carriers can unknowingly pass the mutated gene to future generations. Responsible breeding in the US relies heavily on genetic testing, such as that offered by veterinary genetic labs like the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, to determine JLPP status.

Ideally, only dogs tested clear of the JLPP gene should be bred to avoid producing affected pups. In some cases, breeders may mate carrier dogs to clear dogs to maintain genetic diversity, but with careful management to prevent affected litters.

When considering adoption, prospective owners looking for Rottweiler puppies or Black Russian Terriers should always ask breeders for health screening and DNA test results to ensure the puppies are either clear or that carriers are responsibly bred.

A carrier puppy can live a healthy life but should not be bred unless the mate’s status is known and proper testing of resulting litters is planned. This approach helps decrease JLPP's prevalence and promotes ethical dog ownership.