Ligneous Membranitis affects dogs and is an inherited, chronic inflammatory disease.
Dogs affected with this disease will present (by two months of age) with severe ulcerations of mucous membranes including the eyes, mouth and respiratory tract, which can result in pain and discharge from eyes and nose.
Affected dogs will generally display increased respiratory sounds as a result of the severe inflammation of the larynx and trachea. Enlarged lymph nodes, protein in the urine, increased white blood cell counts, and inadequate amounts of protein in the blood are usually seen associated with this condition.
In addition, affected dogs will usually have severe, chronic inflammatory changes of the membranes lining the abdominal cavities and chest.
Some affected dogs may be born with Cerebellum malformation, which affects the part of the brain that is associated with coordinated movement.
Affected dogs generally die or are euthanised at a younger age (before adulthood) due to the severity of the disease and quality of life concerns.