Mutation causing Neonatal Cerebellar Ataxia in Coton de Tulear has been FOUND!

May 14 , 2010
University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine

A mutation responsible for the development of Neonatal Cerebellar Ataxia (NCA) in Coton de Tulears has been identified by a team of researchers led by Gary Johnson DVM PhD, Dennis O’Brien DVM PhD and Joan Coates DVM MS at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. A DNA test for this mutation is now available.

Neonatal Cerebellar Ataxia is also known as “Bandera’s Syndrome”, named after the second puppy where this condition was identified. Pups affected with this disorder lack the ability to coordinate movement. All affected pups examined by the neurologists presented with similar clinical signs. They nursed well and grew adequately, but had difficulties from the time they become active enough to be able to clearly identify motor problems. Affected pups are unable to stand and walk, and might be generically referred to as “swimmers”. They move all four limbs, sometimes with good strength, but are unable to coordinate these actions to allow normal movement. The condition does not appear to progress or improve.

Research at the University of Missouri has led to identification of a DNA mutation responsible for NCA (Bandera’s Syndrome) in Cotons. A simple DNA test will reveal if a dog is NORMAL (has 2 normal copies of the gene), a CARRIER (has one normal copy and one mutated copy of the gene) who will not show any symptoms of the disease but could pass the mutation on to offspring, or AFFECTED (has 2 mutated copies of the gene). Wise use of this test will allow breeders to avoid producing puppies born with this condition, while still retaining many other desirable traits in their dogs.

Breeders and individual owners are now able to test their dogs using the testing kit that can be ordered online through the OFA website (www.OFFA.org, click on “OFA DNA TESTING”). DNA is collected using a cheek swab, and the barcoded sample will be tested by the Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at the University of Missouri, with results reported directly to the owner by OFA. PLEASE NOTE: Online ordering through OFA will be available about May 25th, 2010.

Owners who had submitted samples for research prior to May 1, 2010 may request test results for their dogs using this Test Request Form for existing samples – click here for this form. Testing for all other dogs will be available soon through OFA – go to www.OFFA.org, click on “OFA DNA TESTING” and follow the links to order a DNA test. Owners can also track progress of their dogs’ samples through this website, and pick up test results before the result certificate is mailed to them.

Our thanks to the clubs and many individual owners who supported this research and participated in the project by supplying samples and information on their dogs.

If you have questions, you may contact Project Coordinator Liz Hansen at HansenL@missouri.edu.