Hereditary ataxia (HA)

General description

Hereditary ataxia (HA) is a progressive disease, clinical signs are hypermetria, loss of balance, incoordination of gait and intention tremor, which later progress to severe gait disturbances. In Old English Sheepdogs and Gordon Setters, affected dogs will show first indications of cerebellar neurodegeneration at an age between six months and up to four years; in Norwegian Elkhounds and Norwegian Buhund symptoms develop at the age of 4 to 20 weeks, while affected Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds show symptoms at the age between 4 and 19 months.

Breeds

Australian Shepherd, Gordon Setter, Miniature American Shepherd, Norwegian Buhund, Norwegian Elkhound , Old English Sheepdog