Affects: Cats, Dogs
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed. It has been reported in many animal species.
Symptoms: Symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia in dogs include goose-stepping, stumbling, eye flicking, stiff and wide-set legs, and a curved spine.
Causes: A hereditary link to cerebellar hypoplasia has been established in some animals, including certain breeds of cows and dogs.
There are numerous potential causes for cerebellar hypoplasia. It is suspected that the most common cause is animal parvoviruses. In dogs and cats specifically, it is thought to be most likely related to in utero viral infections, toxins or genetic disorders.
In dogs, along with parvoviruses, the condition can be caused by canine herpes virus. The time frame during which a dog may be affected by cerebellar hypoplasia begins in the prenatal period and continues to the age of four weeks. Some non-infectious causes include injuries, heredity, and random events during development.
In cattle, cerebellar hypoplasia is the most frequent result of bovine virus diarrhea virus. This happens because the virus destroys brain cells in the immature cattle fetus. Loss of cells specifically in the cerebellum of the cattle fetus results in lesions that reduce the size of the cerebellum and cause cerebellar hypoplasia.
Diagnosis: The veterinarian performs a physical exam and a neurological assessment to diagnose cerebellar hypoplasia. They will perform the physical exam to rule out other possibilities, which include:
Ataxia: vestibular or sensory
Feline infectious peritonitis
Prognosis: The level of severity and mode of infection (if any) both play a role in determining the prognosis for animals that have cerebellar hypoplasia. At worst, the animal will not survive ex-utero; at best, the animal will live for the length of time that is considered normal for its species. If the root cause of the cerebellar hypoplasia impacted other parts of the developing brain or body, the overall health and life-span may or may not be impacted. For instance, feline fetuses infected in utero by FPLV that survive ex-utero, and kittens less than a few weeks of age that become infected with it, can also have retinal dysplasia and optic neuropathy.The symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia can also affect the prognosis of the animal. In severe cases, mobility issues can negatively affect the quality of life outcomes associated with the animal. In most cases, the symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia can cause the animal to become more vulnerable to injuries or attacks. Most animals affected by cerebellar hypoplasia adapt to their disability but will need extra support and care to survive.