Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Care
Cerebellar abiotrophy in dogs is a genetic neurological disorder caused by an inherited autosomal recessive gene. It leads to progressive degeneration of the cerebellum, the brain region responsible for coordinating movement and balance. This causes an irreversible loss of Purkinje cells, crucial neurons in the cerebellum, resulting in ataxia – impaired coordination and unsteady gait.
Breeds Most at Risk and Responsible Breeding
This disorder differs from cerebellar hypoplasia and affects certain breeds more frequently due to genetic predisposition. Responsible breeders use genetic testing to help prevent passing on the condition. Breeds commonly affected include:
- Airedale Terrier puppies – progressive signs typically start around six months old
- American Staffordshire Terrier puppies – symptoms appear slowly between 18 months and 9 years old
- Australian Kelpie puppies – progressive symptoms manifest between 6 and 12 years old
- Bavarian Mountain Dog puppies – early onset between 3 and 7 months
- Beagle puppies – progressive symptoms
- Bernese Mountain Dog puppies – early symptoms from 4 to 16 weeks old
- Border Collie puppies – symptoms typically appear by 6 to 16 weeks old
- Brittany Spaniel puppies – slow progression between 7 and 13 weeks old
- Bullmastiff puppies – symptoms as early as 4 weeks old
- Chinese Crested puppies – signs between 3 to 6 months
- Coton de Tulear puppies – both progressive and non-progressive types
- English Bulldog puppies – slow progression at 8 to 12 weeks old
- Finnish Harrier puppies – progressive symptoms around 6 months
- Gordon Setter puppies – slow progression between 6 to 10 months
- Irish Setter puppies – early onset as young as days old
- Jack Russell Terrier puppies – symptoms starting at 2 weeks old
- Kerry Blue Terrier puppies – progressive signs at 8 to 16 weeks
- Labrador Retriever puppies – rapid progression around 12 weeks
- Lagotto Romagnolo puppies – rapid signs between 10 to 15 weeks
- Miniature Poodle puppies – early symptoms at 3 to 4 weeks
- Miniature Schnauzer puppies – progressive signs at 6 to 16 weeks
- Papillon puppies – progressive symptoms at 8 to 12 weeks
- Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies – condition may be present from birth with additional symptoms
- Rough Coated Collie puppies – symptoms starting at 4 to 8 weeks, condition may stabilise
- Samoyed puppies – progressive signs worsen around 6 months
Recognising Symptoms early
The first and most noticeable symptom of cerebellar abiotrophy is ataxia, a lack of coordination especially in the hind legs. Watch for:
- Head tilt
- Head pressing against objects
- Tremours or shakiness
- Seizures in some cases
- Confusion or cognitive difficulties
- Collapse due to proprioceptive deficits
Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Vet
Diagnosis involves a thorough veterinary examination, review of the dog's medical history, and ruling out other conditions through tests such as:
- Complete blood tests
- CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) analysis to exclude infections like distemper or tick-borne diseases
The vet will also rule out other neurological disorders that mimic cerebellar abiotrophy, such as otitis media, myotonia congenita, neuroaxonal dystrophy, cerebellar hypoplasia, glucocerebrosidosis, and ceroid lipofuscinosis.
Definitive diagnosis is confirmed post-mortem by examining brain tissue. While this is distressing, it sadly remains the only certain method at present.
Management and Care
Currently, no cure or effective treatment exists for cerebellar abiotrophy. The disease is progressive and can severely affect a dog's quality of life.
In severe cases, humane euthanasia may be the kindest option to prevent suffering. However, dogs with milder symptoms can still lead happy lives with attentive care, including:
- Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor progression
- Safe, supportive home environments that minimise injury risks
- Gentle handling and patience to accommodate coordination difficulties
Responsible breeding, including genetic testing of breeding dogs, is the best prevention method to reduce the incidence of cerebellar abiotrophy.
When to Find a Puppy and Responsible Acquisition
If you are looking to add a dog to your family, consider adopting or finding puppies from reputable breeders who screen for genetic conditions such as cerebellar abiotrophy. Ask breeders about health clearances and testing to help ensure your future pet's wellbeing.
Understanding genetic disorders like cerebellar abiotrophy helps prospective owners make informed and responsible choices, supporting the health of dog breeds and enhancing companion animal welfare.
