Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Dogs

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 6
Published sources: 7

Overview

Cerebellar abiotrophy involves the loss of nerve cells in the cerebellum, the brain region that helps coordinate movement. Dogs may develop an unsteady, exaggerated walk and tremors after an initially normal period of development. Several inherited forms are recognized, with signs beginning at different ages in different breeds. Many forms worsen over time, although some affected Kelpies have signs that remain stable.

Signs to watch for

An unsteady, poorly coordinated walk
Head tremors, sometimes more noticeable during movement
Lifting the legs unusually high when walking
Standing with the back legs spread widely apart

Signs can begin in early puppyhood, young adulthood or later, depending on the form.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit when you notice worsening balance or head tremors.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet assesses movement and balance during a neurological examination. MRI, a detailed brain scan, may reveal shrinkage of the cerebellum, although scans can be normal early on. A definite diagnosis can require microscopic examination of brain tissue after death.

Breeds with documented risk

6 breeds

By breed size

2 Small
3 Medium
1 Large

BeagleSmall · Hound Group
Scottish TerrierSmall · Terrier Group
Lagotto RomagnoloMedium · Sporting Group
Old English SheepdogLarge · Herding Group
Australian KelpieMedium · Foundation Stock Service
Working KelpieMedium · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

This condition has more than one known form, and different breeds inherit it in different ways. The sources list the form found in each breed.

Autosomal recessive
Beagle
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA
Autosomal recessive, incomplete penetrance
Australian Kelpie
This is inherited like a recessive trait, so two copies are needed. But not every dog with two copies develops the condition. Age, other genes and environment also play a part. A DNA result shows risk, not certainty.
As stated by Laboklin (LABOGEN)
Autosomal recessive
Australian Kelpie, Working Kelpie
As stated by OMIA

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.