Hereditary Ataxia
Hereditary Ataxia is a progressively worsening disease leading to incoordination, exaggerated movements, and falling. Eventually, affected dogs will be unable to stand or walk without assistance.
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Signs and symptoms
Clinical signs include a lack of coordination, exaggerated movements, falling, and an inability to stand or walk without support. Tremors have also been reported.
Signs typically develop before two years of age.Uncover health risks with Embark
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes genetic testing, a complete physical and neurological exam, and advanced imaging such as an MRI.
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Treatment
This condition cannot be treated and affected dogs often have a poor quality of life by four years of age.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s hereditary ataxia result so you can plan ongoing care and monitoring.
- Watch for signs such as unsteady movement, tremors, or changes in balance and coordination, and contact your vet if you notice any of these.
- Keep your dog’s environment calm and consistent. Use rugs or mats to prevent slipping and help them move safely around the home.
- As this condition can progress over time, supportive care and a predictable routine can help keep your dog comfortable and engaged with their family.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first described in the Australian Shepherd.
This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of Hereditary Ataxia.
Gene names:
PNPLA8 Exon 3 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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