Cerebellar ataxia is a recessively inherited neurological disease, which exist in several genetically distinct forms. It causes a cytoplasmic accumulation of granular material within cerebellar cells, which leads to a cerebellar dysfunction that results in uncoordinated movements and intention tremor. Clinical signs appear at just few weeks after birth, stabilized at around six weeks of age, but remain visible into adulthood. Due to severe clinical phenotype and symptoms, affected dogs commonly have to be euthanized.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: RALGAPA1 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.