Cerebellar Abiotrophy in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Organ System: Cardiovascular

The cerebellum controls movement. Cerebellar abiotrophy is a genetic defect which means that although the cerebellum develops normally in the womb, once pups are born, the cerebellum begins to degenerate. If your dog has cerebellar abiotrophy you are likely to notice them having problems with movement, ranging from poor balance, to inability to stand or walk properly. The point at which this disorder becomes evident varies according to breed as does the rate of progression. Your vet will advise on care for your dog, however there is no treatment for this condition and at some point your kindest option is to have your dog put to sleep.

Breeds exposed to Cerebellar Abiotrophy – Research Reference
Australian Shepherd Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990) & University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alsatian Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Golden Retriever Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Labradoodle Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
English Pointer Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Labrador Retriever Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990) & University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Belgian Shepherd – Tervueren Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Rottweiler Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Siberian Husky Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Poodle – Standard Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Old English Sheepdog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
St Bernard Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Irish Setter Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott
German Shepherd Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shetland Sheepdog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Irish Red and White Setter Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Doberman Pinscher – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Belgian Shepherd – Tervueren – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
German Shepherd – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Alsatian – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Shepherd – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Dachshund – Long Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Golden Retriever – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
“Irish Setter – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott
Miniature Dachshund – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Old English Sheepdog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Rottweiler – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Samoyed – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Shetland Sheepdog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Siberian Husky – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
St Bernard – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Irish Red and White Setter – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Golden Doodle (Groodle) – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Samoyed Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database) & (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Schnoodle Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Labrador – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Spoodle Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Labrador Retriever – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Afghan Hound – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
English Pointer – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Poodle – Standard – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Labradoodle – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Schnoodle – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Spoodle – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Dachshund – Long Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Cerebellar Abiotrophy or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.