Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Dogs
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurological condition in which the cerebellum has not developed fully.
What is cerebellar hypoplasia?
The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement, posture and balance. It is situated towards the back of the brain, behind and beneath the cerebrum.
When the cerebellum does not develop normally, an affected puppy may have difficulty controlling and coordinating its movements. The puppy is usually mentally alert and may otherwise be in good general health.
Signs are normally present at birth or become noticeable when a puppy begins standing and walking. Unlike some degenerative neurological conditions, cerebellar hypoplasia is usually non-progressive, meaning that the underlying condition does not typically become worse with age.
Possible symptoms
The severity of the symptoms can vary considerably. Possible signs include:
- An unsteady or exaggerated walking action
- A wide-based stance
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Falling, stumbling or rolling over
- Head bobbing or tremors
- Tremors of the limbs
- Difficulty judging distance
- Overreaching or lifting the legs unusually high
- Difficulty eating or drinking without spilling
An intention tremor may become more noticeable when the dog tries to perform a deliberate movement, such as reaching for food or water. Tremors may become worse with excitement or stress and often lessen or disappear while the dog is asleep.
Possible causes
Cerebellar hypoplasia occurs while the brain is developing. Possible causes include:
- An inherited or developmental abnormality
- Infection affecting the mother or developing puppies
- Exposure to certain toxins during development
- Severe nutritional deficiencies
- Injury to the developing brain
In some cases, the precise cause cannot be identified.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a full veterinary and neurological examination. The age at which the signs first appeared and the fact that they are not progressing can provide important clues.
Your veterinary surgeon may recommend blood tests or other investigations to rule out infections, poisoning, metabolic disease or another neurological condition. MRI imaging may be recommended to examine the brain and confirm that the cerebellum is smaller or has developed abnormally.
Treatment and care
There is no treatment that can restore the missing or underdeveloped part of the cerebellum. Care therefore focuses on keeping the dog safe and helping it manage its limitations.
Preventing injury
Use stair gates, secure fencing and non-slip flooring. Prevent access to roads, steep steps, deep water and other places where a fall could cause injury.
Food and water
Stable, raised or non-slip bowls may make eating and drinking easier. Some dogs need assistance or specially adapted feeding arrangements.
Exercise
Exercise should be suited to the individual dog’s abilities and carried out in a secure area. A harness may provide more support and control than a collar.
Veterinary support
Regular veterinary reviews can help monitor the dog’s health, mobility, weight and quality of life. Veterinary physiotherapy may also be helpful for some dogs.
Quality of life
Dogs with mild or moderate cerebellar hypoplasia can often enjoy a good quality of life when their home and routine are adapted to their needs. They may remain uncoordinated but can learn how to move around familiar surroundings.
Severely affected dogs may be unable to stand, walk, eat, drink or toilet without substantial assistance. In these cases, the dog’s welfare and quality of life should be discussed carefully with a veterinary surgeon.
Breeding considerations
Because cerebellar hypoplasia can sometimes have an inherited cause, an affected dog should not be bred from. Veterinary or genetic advice should be sought before breeding from its parents or close relatives.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified veterinary surgeon.