Disease overview

Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures (NEWS) is an inherited brain disease that affects Standard Poodle puppies. This disease is caused by a mutation in the ATF2 gene, which participates in a variety of cellular responses.

Gene name

ATF2

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Affected puppies can develop signs of cerebellar dysfunction such as uncoordinated gait, intention tremors, seizures, and lack of balance. They typically present as smaller and weaker than their littermates, and do not develop normally. Signs of NEWS begin around 4-6 weeks of age. This is a fatal condition and puppies unfortunately do not survive to adulthood.

How is it diagnosed

Clinical signs, such as ataxia (lack of coordination, gait abnormality), can be associated with other conditions; therefore, further testing is required to determine if NEWS is the cause of signs. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Chen X, Johnson GS, Schnabel RD, Taylor JF, Johnson GC, Parker HG, Patterson EE, Katz ML, Awano T, Khan S, O'Brien DP. A neonatal encephalopathy with seizures in standard poodle dogs with a missense mutation in the canine ortholog of ATF2. Neurogenetics. 2008 Feb;9(1):41-9. doi: 10.1007/s10048-007-0112-2. Epub 2007 Dec 12. PMID: 18074159.

Disclaimer

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