Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia (HCA)
While not known to currently be a concern of Norwegian Buhunds in the United States, Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia (HCA) is of concern in the United Kingdom and in dog with ancestry originating from the United Kingdom.
Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia can affect dogs as young as 12 weeks of age who will present with symptoms of uncoordinated movement and head tremors. HCA is progressive and will worsen with time. There is currently no effective treatment for this condition and affected animals are often euthanized based on welfare concerns.
Researchers at The Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) have identified a recessive mutation causing Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia in the Norwegian Buhund. A dog must inherit two copies of the mutation, one from each parent, to be clinically affected by Cerebellar Ataxia.
A DNA test will be available from the AHT DNA testing service beginning Monday, December 4, 2017.
The DNA test for Cerebellar Ataxia identifies if a dog is clear, a carrier, or is affected.
CLEAR: These dogs have two copies of the normal gene and will not develop Cerebellar Ataxia as a result of the Cerebellar Ataxia mutation being tested for, although the AHT cannot exclude the possibility that they might develop a similar condition due to other causes or the effect of other unidentified mutations.
CARRIER: These dogs have one copy of the mutation and one normal copy of DNA. These dogs will not develop Cerebellar Ataxia themselves as a result of the Cerebellar Ataxia mutation but they will pass the mutation on to approximately 50% of their offspring.
AFFECTED: These dogs have two copies of the Cerebellar Ataxia mutation and will have Cerebellar Ataxia caused by this mutation.
This DNA test allows breeders to avoid producing litters affected by this disease by ensuring that one of the breeding pair is clear of this mutation.
For a link to purchase the DNA Test for HCA please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia can affect dogs as young as 12 weeks of age who will present with symptoms of uncoordinated movement and head tremors. HCA is progressive and will worsen with time. There is currently no effective treatment for this condition and affected animals are often euthanized based on welfare concerns.
Researchers at The Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) have identified a recessive mutation causing Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia in the Norwegian Buhund. A dog must inherit two copies of the mutation, one from each parent, to be clinically affected by Cerebellar Ataxia.
A DNA test will be available from the AHT DNA testing service beginning Monday, December 4, 2017.
The DNA test for Cerebellar Ataxia identifies if a dog is clear, a carrier, or is affected.
CLEAR: These dogs have two copies of the normal gene and will not develop Cerebellar Ataxia as a result of the Cerebellar Ataxia mutation being tested for, although the AHT cannot exclude the possibility that they might develop a similar condition due to other causes or the effect of other unidentified mutations.
CARRIER: These dogs have one copy of the mutation and one normal copy of DNA. These dogs will not develop Cerebellar Ataxia themselves as a result of the Cerebellar Ataxia mutation but they will pass the mutation on to approximately 50% of their offspring.
AFFECTED: These dogs have two copies of the Cerebellar Ataxia mutation and will have Cerebellar Ataxia caused by this mutation.
This DNA test allows breeders to avoid producing litters affected by this disease by ensuring that one of the breeding pair is clear of this mutation.
For a link to purchase the DNA Test for HCA please scroll to the bottom of this page.
