Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia in Dogs

Breeds documented
10
Published sources
9

Overview

This name covers several inherited disorders that interfere with coordination, rather than one disease with one genetic cause. Many affect the cerebellum, the part of the brain that helps control balance and the accuracy of movement. Dogs may develop an unsteady gait, exaggerated steps and tremors during movement. The age when signs begin, their severity and how quickly they change depend on the particular inherited form.

Signs to watch for

  • Unsteady walking or swaying of the body
  • Lifting the legs higher than expected when stepping
  • Head shaking that becomes more obvious during purposeful movement
  • Poor balance, leaning or repeated falls

Some forms start in young puppies; others first appear in adolescence or adulthood.

When to get help Book a veterinary visit soon for new wobbliness, repeated falls or movement-related tremors.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet uses the history and neurologic examination to assess a coordination disorder and may recommend brain imaging. MRI, a scan that shows the brain's structure, can reveal a smaller cerebellum in some forms, but findings vary. DNA testing for a known variant can identify certain inherited forms, so the test must match the suspected disorder.

Breeds with documented risk

10 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Small
  • 4 Medium
  • 5 Large

Most popular breeds on this list

All 10 breeds, A to Z

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.

Sources

  1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Australian Shepherd: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Australian Shepherd: omia.org
  4. Belgian Laekenois: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Finnish Hound: journals.plos.org
  6. Finnish Hound: ebi.ac.uk
  7. Gordon Setter: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Norrbottenspets: journals.plos.org
  9. Norwegian Buhund: journals.plos.org