Description: Spinocerebellar ataxia is a hereditary neurological disease with early onset, the first symptoms of incoordination and loss of balance appear at the age of 2 to 4 months. Symptoms are similar to LOA (Late Onset Ataxia), include problems with coordination when walking, running, turning, jumping, and have a very rapid progression. Most dogs will also develop myokymia – episodes of uncontrollable muscle twitching that worsen with age, lead to general muscle spasm and dogs are at risk of overheating. Convulsions and stiffness also occur, which may appear as seizures, or true epileptic seizures occur. The prognosis of dogs is very unfavorable and therefore, due to the low quality of life, euthanasia is recommended for dogs affected by spinocerebellar ataxia at an early age.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive
Mutation: c.627C>G in KCNJ10 gene
Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or 2 buccal brushes
The analysis is suitable for the following breeds: Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Smooth-Haired Fox terrier, Basenji
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