Cerebellar Degeneration – Myositis complex (CDMC) is a disease that affects cerebellum (the area of brain that controls coordination and balance) and muscles. Also, the disease can involve other parts of the central nervous system, such as, the spinal cord, medulla oblongata, cerebral cortex and brain stem. Cerebellar degeneration is the result of inherited genetic mutations that affect the normal production of specific proteins necessary for the survival of neurons. Clinical symptoms of affected dogs are characteristic wide-based walk, neuromuscular weakness, tremor in the trunk of the body, loss of balance, tripping as well as falling. Other clinical signs may include episodes of marked movements during sleep, noise phobia, gait abnormalities and anxiety. The first symptoms start at 3 to 9 months of age. Affected dogs are usually euthanized prior to 2 years of age due to painful muscular degeneration.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: SLC25A12 gene

Genetic test: The method used forgenetic 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.