Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)

Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA), also referred to as cerebellar cortical abiotrophy (CCA), is a genetic neurological disease in certain species of animals. To date CA is known to affect breeds of dogs and horses. The disorder manifests it's self when the neurons known as Purkinje cells that affect balance and coordination located in the cerebellum of the brain. Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is a condition known to affect Arabian horses as well as Miniature horses, the Gotland Pony, and possibly the Oldenburg. In most cases foals appear normal at birth, and symptoms generally become noticeable after four months. There have been reported cases where the condition was observed shortly after birth, while others report symptoms developing after the first year. Horses affected with CA tend to startle easily and often fall. Common Symptoms include head tremor and a lack of balance, and other neurological issues. Affected horses may develop a wide-based stance of the forelegs, and difficulty rising from a reclining position. In horses, CA is believed to be linked to an autosomal recessive gene. This means it is not sex-linked, and the allele has to be carried and passed on by both parents in order for an affected animal to be born. Horses that only carry one copy of the gene may pass it on to their offspring, but themselves are perfectly healthy—without symptoms of the disease. Because it is recessive, the allele for CA may pass through multiple generations before it is expressed. CA is sometimes confused with Wobbler's syndrome, Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), and injury-related problems such as a concussion. Genetic testing can confirm whether the symptoms are related to CA.

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