Background

This is a neurological condition affecting the brain, particularly the cerebellum that controls mobility and co-ordination. The Cerebellum is either deformed or has not fully developed at the time of birth. Puppies and Dogs affected with this condition can have severely limited motor skills, irregular head carriage, tremors, lack of co-ordination resulting in them stumbling and falling and in severe cases, when the dog is overly excited he may collapse appear paralysed and be totally unable to mobilise until his heart rate has calmed down. We have only had one confirmed diagnosis so far, but also were advised of a whole litter possibly affected by this condition.

Causes

There are various causes, including bacterial/viral infections such as Herpes or Parvo passed on from the bitch to the puppies whilst they’re developing in the womb causing arrested development of or degeneration of the brain (cerebellum frontal region). It can also be caused because of malnutrition or poisoning of the bitch during pregnancy or a trauma injury whilst pregnant, but is always caused prior to birth in the womb. It is not a hereditary or genetic condition, but seems to be more related to either poor standards of hygiene within the kennels, or allowing the bitch exposure to the virus off the property, i.e. on walks etc.

Diagnosis

Usually the vet can diagnose this quite easily, by watching the dog move and checking for tremors. A brain scan can be carried out to assess the level of development of the Cerebellum but is not normally necessary and therefore diagnosis is usually accurate and quick.

Treatment

There is no treatment or cure for this condition and it neither improves nor deteriorates with age. Some owners will choose to euthanize their pet, depending on the level of restriction of motor skills the dog has and also more importantly its quality of life.
HOWEVER — Depending on the severity and the dog’s individual adaptability to its disability, they can and do live a fairly normal life.
One of the links I’ve included for you all takes you to a website where owners of cats affected by this condition have helped each other and their cats live happy contented lives, I couldn’t find the one I’d formerly seen relating to dogs (sorry!)

Breeding Advice

Again the dog reported to have suffered from this condition is known to be from inbred lines. Obviously any dog known to be affected should not be bred from.

Kennels known or thought to have been affected so far

Caddo, Redkite.

Reminder — Don’t forget - This is not a hereditary or genetic condition, therefore it does not affect a particular line, but rather, it affects a kennel where the bitch has been exposed to the virus and the reason will depend on hygiene/exposure factors. (Please see notes on Kennel infections — for more information on conditions like this and how they are caused and prevented)

Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebellar_hypoplasia_(non-human)
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1630&articleid=239

This link relates to cats but it's just another example of how pets can adapt to Cerebellar Hypoplasia
http://www.moggies.co.uk/articles/aug2007/disabled.html