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Yes, they can.
Downs Syndrome is defined by having a full or partial EXTRA copy of the 21st pair of chromosomes. Humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) normally, so those with Downs have 47 total chromosome pairs. Dogs have 78 chromosomes (39 pairs), so it is possible to have an abnormal genetic mutation on their 21st pair of chromosomes. Therefore, every mammal that possesses 21 or more pairs of chromosomes can be afflicted with what has come to be known as Downs Syndrome.
More research needs to be done, but other genetic mutations on other chromosomes of all different mammals is possible, and could present in cognitive impairment similar to Downs Syndrome or could have different symptoms entirely.
Here is specific information from a technician to a veterinary neurologist on medhelp.com (Source can be found there, but answers.com will not allow me to insert the link here. Please do an internet search for this website, it only allows medical professionals to comment):
"It expresses differently in dogs than humans as the spinal cord connects directly to the back of the brain bringing signals in and then relaying them directly out again. It is most commonly noticed in puppies because the symptoms are most noticeable.
The common ones are:
Clumsy movement and ambulatory irregularities.
Poor vision
Hearing deficits
Inability to learn simple commands due to lack of ambulatory ability and poor eyesight and hearing"
***If you find information on various, non medical or non-scientific sites, from random people that cannot provide you real credentials, do not just BELIEVE what they say! You need to do more research and ask a professional.
WHY do so many people go to answers.com, Yahoo answers and other random sites and take advice from a bunch of strangers that might not know anything about what they're talking about???
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoI have an aunt with Down syndrome, and my dog (a poodle) is terrified of her, even when she gives her a cookie. The dog is great with absolutely everybody else, and nothing has ever happened to make the dog afraid of her. I've heard before that dogs can detect when people have certain diseases, but I don't know if there is maybe someway they can tell if someone has Down Syndrome. Any thoughts?
Wiki User
∙ 15y agokittens can have down syndrome. This occurs when an extra pair of chromosomes appear in the sex cells. A pair of cells were mutated in the sex cells when they are combined.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agothey eat potatoes with nails in them
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Can a foetus be detected as mentally retarded?
The doctor can tell if the baby has Down's Syndrome.
What is a karyotpe able to identify?
Karyotypes are able to tell if there are any chromosome conditions present. These condition include Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and Triploidy.
How do you explain to a 5-year-old that his older brother has Down syndrome?
just tell him slowley and dont make the child with down syndrome fell any different to the one who is perfectly fine.
Why don't human farts bother dogs?
because dogs can't talk to tell us. charlie complains though
Why do dogs walk in circles before laying down?
Dogs have nerves that tell them how to do things it genetic ly forces
How many people die from Down syndrome per year?
Down's syndrome usually isn't deadly as such. However, it brings with it a couple of medical problems, like high blood presure and such, which tends to shorten the life span of afflicted persons.
When you are 27 weeks into your pregnancy can they tell you if your baby has Down syndrome?
Yes, there are blood test that they can do to check for different birth defects, including down syndrome. If your dr hasn't done that yet, and you are concerned, you may want to talk to him/her about it.
What type of diagnosis is from a karyotype?
A karyotype tells you if you have the normal ammont of chromosomes (46 for humans), it can also tell you if you have more or less and if this is the case what it is that you have. The most common syndrome would be Down Syndrome, or trisomy 21. Down Syndrome is also called trisomy 21 because if you look at a karyotype from someone that has this syndrome then they have three coppies of the 21st chromosome.
What is the difference between Down syndrome and mental retardation?
Mental retardation is a side effect of Down Syndrome. Down syndrome or trisomy 21 (or Down's Syndrome in British English) is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra Twenty-first chromosome. Children with Down syndrome tend to share certain physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, a single crease across the center of the palms, and an enlarged tongue. A doctor can usually tell if a newborn has the condition through a physical exam. Down Syndrome also causes mild to moderate mental retardation.
How do you tell if a dog is wicked?
Wickedness is more of a human than a canine attribute. Dogs can be well behaved or badly behaved. And you can tell by observing what they do.
How can we know dogs crying?
You can tell when dogs cry when the dogs lay down or sit up and they have a sad gloomy face, or just when you look at the dog and they look up teary eyed.
Can you tell when you're pregnant if you're going to have a down syndrome child?
You don't automatically "just know", if that's what you mean. There are tests that can be done, however.
