Hereditary ataxia (HA) in Old English Sheepdog and Gordon Setter is a neurological disorder that affects the ability to coordinate movements. Cerebellum (a part of brain) and Purkinje cells play essential role in motor control as well as they are responsible for coordinating movement and balance. Hereditary ataxia shows symptoms of slow degeneration of the cerebellar cortex, with Purkinje neuron loss which results in a progressive gait dysfunction. Other clinical symptoms are hypermetria, truncal sway and tremor. The disease is an early onset disorder that shows first clinical signs between ages of 6 months to 4 years.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: RAB24 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.