Generalised ceroid-lipofuscinosis and brown bowel syndrome in Cocker spaniel dogs

The ceroid-lipofuscinoses comprise a group of inherited storage diseases of human beings and animals that are characterised by progressive neurodegenerative disease and the accumulation within cells of a fluorescent lipopigment. A distinct syndrome occurs in Cocker spaniel dogs in which there is a generalised accumulation of a lipofuscin-like pigment, with such a heavy accumulation in smooth muscle that the intestine and other organs have a brown discolouration. Such discolouration is not observed in other forms of ceroid-lipofuscinosis. Dogs are clinically affected in adulthood and show progressive hind limb paresis, incoordination, and deficient postural reactions and proprioception. Spinal reflexes may be exaggerated. Behavioural or temperament changes, seizures or blindness may occur.