Disease overview

Ataxia means "without coordination". Degeneration of the cerebellar structures causes ataxia, which is a neurological sign of defective motor coordination that can affect gait, balance, speech, and gaze. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for controlling coordination and balance as it supports planning, timing, and force of movements and fine tunes complex movements. This form is a non-progressive neonatal condition.

Gene name

GRM1

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Dogs affected by cerebellar disease have uncoordinated gaits (ataxia), intention tremors, trouble standing, and lack of balance. Muscles of the eyes may be affected, presenting with rhythmic eye flicking called "nystagmus". Symptoms of this early-onset disease present as soon as 3 weeks of age and become progressively worse, causing rapid decline in coordination and a swimming-like movement.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Clinical signs associated with this disease can arise from different causes, such as inflammation, infection, or abnormal and excessive growth of tissue (neoplasia). A veterinarian can perform diagnostics to help identify the cause, and genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Zeng R, Farias FH, Johnson GS, McKay SD, Schnabel RD, Decker JE, Taylor JF, Mann CS, Katz ML, Johnson GC, Coates JR, O'Brien DP. A truncated retrotransposon disrupts the GRM1 coding sequence in Coton de Tulear dogs with Bandera's neonatal ataxia. J Vet Intern Med. 2011 Mar-Apr;25(2):267-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0666.x. Epub 2011 Jan 31. PMID: 21281350.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.