Neonatal Encephalopathy in Dogs: A Complete Guide to NEWS

Neonatal encephalopathy, also known as Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEWS), is a severe hereditary brain disorder that affects some puppies, especially within the Standard Poodle breed. This condition is invariably fatal within the first few weeks of a pup's life.

In this guide, we will explore neonatal encephalopathy in detail: what it is, symptoms, the genetic cause, dogs at risk, diagnostic testing, and how breeders and puppy buyers can take informed steps to prevent and manage this devastating disease.

1. Understanding Neonatal Encephalopathy

Neonatal Encephalopathy in dogs is a genetic brain condition resulting from a mutation in the ATF2 gene. This gene plays a key role in cellular responses to environmental stimuli and development.

The mutation causes degeneration of brain tissue, especially the cerebellum, leading to pups being born weak, small, and failing to thrive. Affected puppies typically show neurological symptoms including lack of coordination (ataxia), whole-body tremors, and severe seizures known as tonic-clonic seizures.

Puppies rarely survive beyond seven weeks old, with many dying within the first week. This early onset and severity highlight the importance of awareness about the condition.

2. Breeds and Dogs at Risk

Neonatal encephalopathy predominantly affects Standard Poodle puppies, though dogs with one Poodle parent—such as popular hybrids like Labradoodles and Cockapoos—may carry the gene silently. These carriers show no symptoms but can pass the mutated gene to their offspring, especially if mated with another carrier or affected dog.

The disease inherits in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a pup must inherit two copies of the faulty gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. Carriers have only one gene copy and do not show symptoms.

3. Symptoms and Diagnosis

The clinical signs of Neonatal Encephalopathy in puppies usually appear shortly after birth and include:

• Marked weakness and small size at birth
• Failure to thrive or gain weight
• Loss of motor coordination (ataxia)
• Whole-body tremors
• Severe tonic-clonic seizures usually developing between 4 and 6 weeks of age

If a litter shows these symptoms, especially in Standard Poodles, Neonatal Encephalopathy should be suspected.

Accurate diagnosis includes clinical observation, detailed history, and genetic testing. Postmortem examination reveals reduced cerebellar size and abnormal neuronal clusters, confirming the diagnosis.

4. Genetic Testing and Heredity

Genetic testing is the cornerstone for managing Neonatal Encephalopathy risk. By testing breeding dogs, breeders can identify:

• Clear (Normal): Dogs with no copies of the mutation, not affected or carriers
• Carriers: Dogs with one copy of the mutation, healthy but can pass on the gene
• Affected: Dogs with two copies of the mutation, will develop the disease

The autosomal recessive inheritance means that:

• Two clear dogs produce only clear puppies
• Two carriers produce 25% affected, 50% carriers, and 25% clear puppies
• A carrier bred with a clear dog produces 50% carriers and 50% clear puppies
• An affected dog bred with a carrier or clear dog will produce affected or carrier puppies respectively

However, since affected puppies do not survive, affected adults are not a breeding risk. The main concern is breeding two carriers unknowingly.

Testing uses a simple buccal swab or blood sample sent to a lab for DNA analysis. Results inform responsible breeding decisions to avoid producing affected puppies.

5. Advice for Responsible Breeders and Buyers

Standard Poodle breeders are strongly encouraged to test their dogs for neonatal encephalopathy status prior to breeding. Responsible breeders use these results to avoid mating two carriers, preventing affected litters and reducing mutation spread.

Potential puppy buyers should ask breeders for documented genetic test results. Buying from reputable breeders who test for hereditary diseases protects new owners from the heartbreak of losing a puppy to neonatal encephalopathy and supports ethical breeding practices.

Choosing a healthy pup from tested parents ensures your new pet has the best chance for a long, happy life.

6. Summary and Next Steps

Neonatal Encephalopathy in dogs is a tragic, fatal genetic disorder primarily affecting Standard Poodle puppies caused by a mutation in the ATF2 gene. Recognising symptoms, understanding heredity, and using genetic testing are vital tools for breeders and buyers to prevent this disease.

Key takeaways:

• NE appears in puppies as weakness, tremors, ataxia, and seizures, leading to death by seven weeks.
• The condition is inherited autosomal recessively; carriers appear healthy but can produce affected pups if bred together.
• Genetic testing of breeding dogs allows informed mating choices and disease prevention.
• Buyers should seek puppies from breeders with documented health testing for NE and other hereditary conditions.

By prioritising responsible breeding and informed purchasing decisions, the spread of neonatal encephalopathy can be minimised, giving puppies a better chance at healthy lives.