Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA1 + SDCA2) – Shepherd Type

Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia is a severe neurological disorder that causes degeneration of the cerebellum and brain stem. Both SDCA1 and SDCA2 are tested in this test.

Affected puppies present initial symptoms of SDCA between 4 to 9 weeks of age. The primary symptom is ataxia (loss of coordination), with a wide-limbed gait, staggering, trembling and loss of balance. Other symptoms can include impaired eye coordination or difficulty stabilizing gaze after rapid head movements, muscle spasms following exercise or stress, and seizures. As symptoms progress, euthanasia on humane grounds is typically elected for by the age of 17 weeks.