Neonatal Ataxia (Bandera’s Syndrome) in Coton de Tulear Dogs

Neonatal ataxia, also called Bandera’s Syndrome, is a genetic condition causing irreversible degeneration of the nervous system in dogs, particularly the Coton de Tulear breed. Approximately 10% of this breed are carriers, who appear healthy but can pass the condition to their offspring, posing serious risks if both parents are carriers.

This article explores neonatal ataxia’s effects, inheritance pattern, and how responsible breeders and owners can test for this disorder to prevent affected litters and promote healthy breeding practices.

What Is Neonatal Ataxia?

Neonatal ataxia, named Bandera’s Syndrome after the first diagnosed dog, results from a genetic mutation that damages the cerebellum — the brain area controlling coordination and movement.

"Neonatal" refers to newborns, while "ataxia" means poor coordination. Puppies with this condition struggle to walk normally and develop motor skills, exhibiting symptoms from their earliest days when they start moving independently.

Affected pups often fall attempting to stand, wobble sideways, or make swimming-like movements. Sadly, they never develop proper motor abilities and usually are euthanised to prevent suffering.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

This condition affects the Coton de Tulear breed almost exclusively due to autosomal recessive inheritance, when puppies inherit defective genes from both parents. Both males and females are equally prone, with symptoms typically appearing at the age when puppies begin to walk.

How Is Neonatal Ataxia Inherited?

Neonatal ataxia is inherited autosomal recessively, meaning both parents must contribute a mutated gene for the puppy to be affected.

• Two clear dogs produce clear puppies.
• Two affected dogs (rarely survive to breed) produce affected pups.
• Two carriers have a 25% chance of affected puppies, 50% carriers, 25% clear.
• A clear and affected dog produce all carriers.
• A clear and carrier produce 50% carriers, 50% clear.
• A carrier and affected produce 50% affected and 50% carriers.

How to Test Your Coton de Tulear for Neonatal Ataxia

If you are a breeder or considering getting a Coton de Tulear puppy, ensure both prospective parents undergo genetic testing to establish if they are clear, carriers, or affected. This protects puppy health and helps maintain ethical breeding standards.

Your vet can collect a DNA sample — commonly via blood, cheek swab, or dewclaw — and send it to a specialist laboratory for analysis. Results confirm the dog’s status, guiding breeding decisions and helping avoid carrier-to-carrier matings responsible for affected litters.

When purchasing a puppy, choose reputable breeders who share health testing results openly to support transparency and responsible pet ownership.

Why Responsible Breeding Matters

Neonatal ataxia highlights the vital role of health screening in responsible breeding. Identifying carrier dogs prior to breeding protects future puppies from this debilitating condition and supports the breed’s overall health.

Breeders working with recognised genetic tests help reduce the prevalence of neonatal ataxia and uphold the welfare standards every dog deserves.

Conclusion

Neonatal ataxia or Bandera’s Syndrome is a serious inherited disorder that severely affects young Coton de Tulear puppies. Thanks to modern genetic testing, breeders and owners can identify carriers and make informed mating choices to safeguard puppy health and promote ethical breeding.

If you are involved in breeding or buying a Coton de Tulear, insist on seeing neonatal ataxia test results and work closely with your vet to ensure your dog’s genetics contribute to a healthier, happier generation.