Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is developmental brain disease of Standard Poodle. Affected puppies are small and weak. Puppies surviving first week develop ataxia and a whole-body tremor. Symptoms are progressively getting worse. The disease progression can be accompanied by severe generalized seizures and puppies die before seven weeks of age.

NE of Standard Poodles is caused by a mutation of ATF2 gene encoding activating transcription factor (ATF-2), which is involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes. It is required for normal development and function of the central nervous, respiratory, immune, reproductive, renal and skeletal systems. NE is caused by an ATF-2 deficiency as the mutation interferes with activation of ATF-2.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: ATF2 gene

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

Disease control: read more

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