Late-Onset Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Dogs

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 4

Overview

A fault in the way cells recycle material can cause a gradual loss of brain and nerve function. One late-onset form, linked to the ATP13A2 gene, has been described in Australian Cattle Dogs. Affected adults can develop changes in learned behavior, coordination and vision after years without obvious problems. The disease worsens over time and can also cause seizures.

Signs to watch for

No longer responding normally to familiar commands
Trouble managing stairs or jumping onto furniture
An unsteady walk or trembling
Changes in sleep or increased anxiety
Worsening sight
Seizures

In the reported Australian Cattle Dog family, signs began at around six years of age.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog has a seizure.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet assesses changes in behavior, movement and vision alongside a neurological examination. For the Australian Cattle Dog form, DNA testing can look for the associated ATP13A2 variant. The test must match the suspected form, because a different gene causes a younger-onset disease in the same breed.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Australian Cattle DogMedium · Herding 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.