Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 2, SDCA2

Affected dogs show signs of cerebellar dysfunction at a young age (1 to 2 months old) including a lack of coordination walking, tremors, and poor balance. Seizures can also develop.

Signs are often first apparent at 1-2 months of age.

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. Dogs with this disorder often are euthanized.

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

Signs such as tremors, unsteady movement, or difficulty walking usually appear in young puppies and tend to 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 Belgian Malinois.

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

ATP1B2

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Neurologic

Citations

1. Mauri et al 2017

• Belgian Laekenois
• Belgian Malinois
• Belgian Sheepdog
• Belgian Tervuren
• Dutch Shepherd