What is cerebellar abiotrophy?
Cerebellar Abiotrophy is a disease in which the Purkinje cells in the brain of the dog dead. This causes progressive ataxia, the dog will be shaky and awkward and failed to coordinate major muscle movement. Cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for dog control and coordination of movement. In affected dogs, Purkinje cells shall be due as planned before birth, but after birth the puppies they will start to die before his time. In some dogs, disaster will soon be carried out before the birth.
Breeds commonly affected by cerebellar abiotrophy
Abiotrophy hereditary cerebellar been diagnosed at different and very common in Gordon setter and Kerry Blue Terriers. In most purebred dogs, most of autosomal recessive inheritance, but in some lineages, including English Pointer, the genes that are responsible for sex-linked. English pointer has x-linked inheritance mode. Only male Pointer Bahasa Inggeris abiotrophy influenced by cerebellar and disease always inherited from the mother.
Time of onset of initial symptoms vary between affected offspring. In Thumbnail Poodles, Collies rough, and Beagles, it is as common examples for the puppy shows symptoms directly after birth or within 3-4 weeks. In many other descendants, including the Kerry Blue Terrier, Labrador Retriever, and the Border Collie, the first symptoms will appear when the dog is 6-16 weeks. In a small number of race dogs, dogs will remain free of symptoms into adulthood or even middle age. Examples of these are the descendants of Gordon Setter, Old English sheepdog, and Brittany Spaniel.
Cerebellar abiotrophy symptoms in dogs
Poor balance, posture and wide-based gait stiff or high-stepping all the symptoms generally associated with cerebellar abiotrophy in dogs. Because the brain is affected by this disease is responsible for conducting and coordinating voluntary movement, affected dogs can be very awkward and looked confused about where the real limb. Some dogs will stand or walk with a foot knuckled over. Abiotrophy cerebellar can also cause tremors around the head or body. Eventually, your dog may not be able to climb stairs, and do serious dog will not even be able to stand up.
During the development stages of this disease, the dog will retain normal mental alertness. In some dogs, but other parts of the brain can be affected as well, and this can cause confusion and behavioral changes. Dogs can for example forget everything about previous training house, and some dogs become aggressive or very confused. Blindness and convulsions can occur.
These symptoms can worsen slow or fast, especially depending on the type of your dog.
Many of the symptoms listed above are not only associated with cerebellar abiotrophy but with other health problems as well, and it's very important to let your vet determine an accurate diagnosis.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy treatment for dogs
Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for dogs with cerebellar abiotrophy and affected dogs will not heal spontaneously. Most dog owners will sooner or later choose euthanasia when the quality of life for their dog has dropped too low.
