Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 1
This is a neurodegenerative condition similar to the human multisystemic SeSAME/EAST syndrome. However, unlike SeSAME/EAST syndrome, affected dogs do not show signs of kidney disease or deafness.
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Signs and symptoms
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. -
Diagnosis
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.
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Treatment
There is no treatment for this disorder. Certain medications may be prescribed to control symptoms. Dogs with this disorder often are euthanized.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Keeping your affected dog comfortable and giving them the best quality of life you can are the only actions you can take at home.
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Genetic Information
This mutation was first described in the Belgian Malinois.
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 names:
KCNJ10 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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