Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, NAD

When axonal disease is present, affected animals show signs that are consistent with a delay between the brain and the body: sometimes they walk with an uncoordinated gait, or don't seem to know where their limbs are relative to the ground, leading to scuffing or dragging of the paws.

Signs develop in puppies.

Unless a genetic basis is suspected due to the age, breed, or history of the dog, diagnostics must be performed to rule out infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic causes.

There is no treatment for this disorder. Certain medications may be prescribed to control symptoms.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s NAD result so you can plan appropriate care and monitoring.

Signs such as tremors, unsteady movement, or weakness usually appear in young puppies and may worsen over time.

Focus on keeping your puppy comfortable in a calm, safe environment with good footing to prevent injury.

This condition is severe and progressive, but providing comfort, stability, and gentle care can help maintain your puppy’s well-being.

This mutation was first described in the Rottweiler.

Penetrance: This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.

Gene

VPS11

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Neurologic

Citations

1. Lucot et al 2018

• Rottweiler