Cerebellar Ataxia (CA) DNA Test

SCOA Health strongly recommends that breeders complete Cerebellar Ataxia(CA) DNA testing on all breeding dogs. Although not encouraged, it is possible to skip 1 generation and claim “clear by parentage”(CBP) for only those offspring when both sire and dam have been tested with “clear” results. Using CBP labels truly can only apply to direct DNA mutation tests for which they are 100% accurate. CA DNA test for Spinone is a linkage DNA test with a 2-5% margin of error.

Cerebellar Ataxia is a devastating, deadly, neurological puppy condition for which sadly, there is no cure. If the puppy is affected, symptoms will present within the year,

Although there are many various types of Cerebellar Ataxia, there is only 1 Spinone specific CA, ITPR1.

Cerebellar Ataxia DNA tests can be done on dogs of any age.

Cerebellar Ataxia DNA tests are a very easy test that is done by a simple buccal (cheek) swab that picks up cheek cells containing your dog’s DNA.

The Spinone Cerebellar Ataxia DNA test is only performed by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in the UK. They are the research centre that discovered the Spinone breed specific linkage mutations ITPR1 and developed the DNA linkage test. Due to the test only being a DNA linkage test, it results in a 95-98% accuracy rate and this why SCOA health recommends that all breeding dogs be tested when possible. The AHT maintains a CA dedicated Database of results.

It is a DNA test that will indicate results of “Clear”, “Carrier” or “Affected”.
Cerebellar Ataxia has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

A dog with “Clear” results has 2 normal genes. A dog with “Carrier” results has 1 normal gene and 1 mutated gene and will not exhibit any signs of the disease. A dog with “Affected” results carries 2 mutated genes and will exhibit signs of the disease.

Through diligent DNA testing, carriers can be managed in a breeding program, as they are necessary in preserving and expanding our breed’s gene pool.

Breeding strategies when planning for dogs with “Carrier” status is they MUST ONLY be bred to a dog with “Clear” status, which will result in a theoretical litter of 50% “clear” puppies and 50% “carrier” puppies. Any offspring from this combination of mating used for subsequent breeding, MUST be CA DNA tested.

CA Autosomal Recessive Mode of Inheritance
Graphics Courtesy of Andrea Bolldorf
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MODE OF INHERITANCE GRAPHIC