Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) is an inherited sensory neuropathy disorder affecting several sporting breeds.

 

The disease is characterised by insensitivity to pain in the feet ( acral analgesia ) which can be associated with sudden and intense licking, biting and severe self-mutilation of the feet, while proprioception, motor abilities and spinal reflexes remain intact.

Affected puppies look smaller than their healthy littermates.

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Symptoms maybe followed by further complications such as infections, ulceration, nail loss, swollen paws and fractures.

Age of onset: 3-12 months