Neonatal cerebellar ataxia (BNAt, Bandera syndrome) is a disease affecting cerebellum (little brain) in Cotton de Tulear dogs. Clinical signs become apparent as soon as unaffected littermates develop coordinate movements. Affected animals exhibit head tremors and are unable to walk. They scoot around and often fall. Vision is unaffected but animals lack a menace response and exhibit ocular tremors.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: GRM1 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.