Peripheral nerve biopsy for diagnosis of globoid cell leukodystrophy in a dog.

Saphenous nerve biopsy was performed to diagnose globoid cell leukodystrophy in a 3-month-old West Highland White Terrier. The dog had progressive neurologic disease that appeared to involve the cerebellum, spinal cord, and lower motor neurons to the hind limbs. Light and transmission electron microscopic findings of the nerve biopsy specimen established the diagnosis. Peripheral nerve biopsy may provide a reliable antemortem method for diagnosis of globoid cell leukodystrophy.