Dysautonomia in a Family of German Shorthaired Pointers

Four, 5-week-old German shorthaired pointers from a litter of five puppies were presented for evaluation of vomiting and diarrhea. The dam was euthanized for suspected dysautonomia, and the fifth puppy died 1 day prior to presentation. On presentation, two puppies had vomiting and diarrhea, and the other two appeared healthy. The results of testing supported the diagnosis of dysautonomia in the two affected puppies but not in the healthy puppies. On day 5 of hospitalization, one apparently healthy puppy developed vomiting and diarrhea and had supportive testing for dysautonomia. Dysautonomia was confirmed at necropsy in affected dogs.