Neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by cerebellar ataxia and uncoordinated movements caused by neurodegeneration and loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex. The slowly progressive symptoms, related to diffuse cerebellar dysfunction, occur at around 3 months of age and include dysmetric and hypermetric cerebellar ataxia, intention tremors, menace response deficits and signs of central vestibular dysfunction, including nystagmus and loss of balance. The affected dogs usually have to be euthanised due to progression of the disease.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: SNX14 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.

Disease control: read more

DNA test sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.