Cerebellar abiotrophy is a degenerative condition of the cerebellum that produces progressively worsening clinical signs. Abiotrophy literally means loss of vital nutritional substances. The cerebellar nerve cells form in a normal fashion, only to degenerate and die prematurely due to loss of vital substance necessary for continued life of the nerve cells.
SIGNS Signs have been well characterized in many breeds and
are those of the degenerative cerebellar disease: inability to control the distance, power and speed of movement (dysmetria); overreaching a desired object (hypermetria), and lack of menace response. Neurological signs are not seen immediately after birth and become apparent at a few weeks to a few months of age, progressing either slowly or rapidly, progressively disabling the dog.
CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT Causes are unknown. A diagnosis of cerebellar abiotrophy is usually suspected when there is progressive neurological dysfunction. There is no treatment for this disorder.