Canine Multiple System Degeneration

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 6

Overview

Several parts of the brain that control movement gradually lose nerve cells in this inherited disorder. Puppies may first show head tremors and awkward steps, then develop increasingly frequent falls and difficulty staying upright. Researchers have linked different SERAC1 gene changes to the forms reported in Chinese Crested dogs and Kerry Blue Terriers. The disease generally becomes severely disabling while the dog is still young.

Signs to watch for

Head trembling when trying to make a movement
Exaggerated, high steps
Stumbling and falling more often over time
Quick, short, shuffling steps
Increasing difficulty standing steadily or starting a movement

Signs generally appear in puppyhood, often between 3 and 6 months in reported cases.

Emergency Call a vet now if your dog starts staggering.

Diagnosis and tests

The pattern of worsening movement problems guides a vet's assessment. A detailed brain scan called MRI can show shrinkage of the cerebellum, the brain area that helps coordinate movement. DNA testing can identify the SERAC1 changes reported in Chinese Crested dogs and Kerry Blue Terriers. These breeds carry different disease variants, so testing needs to target the relevant change.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
1 Medium

Chinese CrestedToy · Toy Group
Kerry Blue TerrierMedium · Terrier Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.