Glycogen storage disease is an inherited disorder in which your dog has deficient levels of the various enzymes involved in glycogen metabolism. There are four types of glycogen storage disease in dogs with classification being based on the impacted enzymes and organs.

Symptoms depend on the type of glycogen storage disease. Symptoms of type I include a distended abdomen, weakness and hypoglycemia. Type II, which impacts your dog’s heart muscle and causes an enlarged heart, will cause your dog to appear quite weak, vomit and regurgitate. Type III symptoms include weakness, lethargy and a distended abdomen. Symptoms of type IV include anemia and bloody urine.

This is an inherited condition.

An examination, including a complete blood work and urinalysis, is required to diagnose glycogen storage disease and to identify the specific type.

There are medications and special diets that can be used to combat glycogen storage diseases, but, in many cases, the condition is fatal.

Glycogen storage disease is inherited, so afflicted dogs should not be bred, nor should you acquire a dog with a family history of glycogen storage disease.

No, you cannot get this disease from your dog.