Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Dogs

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 5

Overview

The cerebellum, the brain region that coordinates movement, has not developed fully before birth. This can leave a puppy with poor balance, exaggerated steps and head or body tremors. The signs range from mild to severe and usually become obvious when the puppy starts walking. Unlike a disease that progressively destroys brain cells, this developmental problem generally stays stable as the dog grows.

Signs to watch for

Poor balance or a wobbly walk
Standing with the feet spread far apart
Stiff or unusually high steps
Head or body tremors, especially during movement

Signs are present from birth or early puppyhood and become apparent as walking begins.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit if a puppy has persistent balance problems or movement tremors.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet reviews how early the signs began and whether they have stayed stable, then checks for other explanations. A detailed brain scan called MRI can reveal missing or underdeveloped parts of the cerebellum. Genetic testing can identify the VLDLR variant associated with the inherited form reported in Eurasiers.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

EurasierMedium · Foundation Stock Service

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.