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Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA)

• Description
• Signalment
• Clinical Features
• Neurolocalization
• Genetics

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SDCA is an inherited neurodegenerative disease of Belgian Shepherd dogs that clinically manifests as cerebellar dysfunction in young dogs.

Age of Onset: 2-9 weeks of age

Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected

Clinical Course:
​Clinical signs progress rapidly over the course of a few weeks

Clinical Signs:
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Seizures

Movement
Generalized whole body tremors
Ataxia
Paresis to paralysis
Limb spasticity
Intention tremor
Bunny-hopping gait

Cranial Nerves
Central blindness (absent menace response)​

Multi-focal: brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cor

Autosomal recessive inheritance:
Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 1 (SDCA1): KCNJ10 mutation

For breed specific genetic testing follow the links below: 
​Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 1 (SDCA1):
https://embarkvet.com/products/dog-health/health-conditions/spongy-degeneration-with-cerebellar-ataxia-1-sdca1-sesame-east-syndrome/
https://www.gensoldx.com/tests/spongy-degeneration-with-cerebellar-ataxia-1-sdca1/
https://www.genomia.cz/en/test/sdca1/
​
​Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 2 (SDCA2):  
https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-health-conditions/sdca2
https://www.genomia.cz/en/test/sdca2/
https://embarkvet.com/products/dog-health/health-conditions/spongy-degeneration-with-cerebellar-ataxia-2-sdca2/

To read more about this disease click below:

References