Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Care

Cerebellar abiotrophy in dogs is a hereditary neurological disorder caused by an autosomal recessive gene. This illness leads to the gradual deterioration of the cerebellum—the portion of the brain that controls balance and coordination. As the disease progresses, there is an irreversible loss of Purkinje cells, which are vital neurons in the cerebellum. The result is ataxia, characterized by impaired coordination and an unsteady gait.

Breeds Commonly Affected and Importance of Responsible Breeding

This condition is distinct from cerebellar hypoplasia and is more common in certain breeds due to genetic factors. In the U.S., responsible breeders rely on genetic testing to prevent passing this disorder to offspring. Dogs most often affected include:

• Airedale Terrier puppies – typically show symptoms around six months
• American Staffordshire Terrier puppies – symptoms usually progress between 18 months and 9 years
• Australian Kelpie puppies – signs often appear between 6 and 12 years
• Beagle puppies – frequently affected with progressive symptoms
• Bernese Mountain Dog puppies – early symptoms can start from 4 to 16 weeks
• Border Collie puppies – symptoms commonly appear by 6 to 16 weeks
• Brittany Spaniel puppies – progression typically occurs between 7 and 13 weeks
• Bullmastiff puppies – symptoms as early as 4 weeks
• Chinese Crested puppies – signs between 3 to 6 months
• Coton de Tulear puppies – both progressive and non-progressive types reported
• English Bulldog puppies – slow progression around 8 to 12 weeks
• Gordon Setter puppies – slow progression from 6 to 10 months
• Irish Setter puppies – onset may be as early as days old
• Jack Russell Terrier puppies – symptoms sometimes begin at 2 weeks
• Kerry Blue Terrier puppies – progressive signs from 8 to 16 weeks
• Labrador Retriever puppies – rapid progression around 12 weeks
• Lagotto Romagnolo puppies – rapid symptoms between 10 to 15 weeks
• Miniature Poodle puppies – early signs at 3 to 4 weeks
• Miniature Schnauzer puppies – progression between 6 to 16 weeks
• Papillon puppies – progressive symptoms noted at 8 to 12 weeks
• Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies – condition may be present at birth, sometimes with more symptoms
• Rough Coated Collie puppies – symptoms start at 4 to 8 weeks, often stabilizing later
• Samoyed puppies – symptoms worsen progressively around 6 months

In the U.S., breed clubs and veterinary geneticists are increasingly promoting genetic screening to reduce cases. For example, the American Kennel Club and various state veterinary associations encourage breeders to test for cerebellar abiotrophy mutations to help protect breed health and longevity.

Early Signs to Watch For

The earliest and most evident sign of cerebellar abiotrophy is ataxia—especially affecting the hind limbs, leading to unsteady, wobbling movement. Additional symptoms include:

• Head tilt
• Pressing the head against walls or furniture
• Trembling or shaking
• Seizures in some affected dogs
• Confusion or difficulty with cognitive tasks
• Collapsing due to loss of proprioception (awareness of body position)

Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Veterinarian

A diagnosis starts with a detailed neurologic exam by a licensed veterinarian, backed by a review of the dog’s health history. The vet will perform various tests to eliminate other conditions, including:

• Comprehensive blood work
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis to rule out infections like distemper or Lyme disease

In addition, veterinarians will differentiate cerebellar abiotrophy from other neurological problems that show similar symptoms, such as otitis media, myotonia congenita, neuroaxonal dystrophy, cerebellar hypoplasia, glucocerebrosidosis, and ceroid lipofuscinosis.

A definitive diagnosis can only be confirmed after death by examining brain tissue, unfortunately the only current gold standard. While this is difficult for pet owners, it underscores the challenge of early and absolute diagnosis before death.

Care and Management

There is no cure or effective treatment available for cerebellar abiotrophy at this time. The disease is progressive and may significantly affect quality of life.

For dogs showing severe symptoms, humane euthanasia could be the kindest choice to avoid suffering. However, dogs with milder signs may enjoy comfortable, fulfilling lives with proper care such as:

• Regular veterinary visits to monitor disease progression
• Creating a safe and supportive home to prevent injuries
• Gentle handling and patience to accommodate their coordination challenges

Physical therapy and rehabilitation strategies are increasingly used here in the U.S. to assist affected dogs in maintaining mobility for as long as possible.

Ultimately, preventing cerebellar abiotrophy relies heavily on responsible breeding practices and genetic testing to reduce the frequency of this condition.

Finding a Puppy Responsibly

If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, look for reputable breeders who conduct genetic screening for disorders including cerebellar abiotrophy. Ask about health clearances and the breeder’s testing protocols to help ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy.

Understanding such genetic disorders empowers prospective owners to make informed decisions, fostering healthier dog breeds and improved animal welfare.