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Brain Tissue Undervelopment in Dogs

PetMD Editorial
Updated: August 17, 2010
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Published: March 24, 2009

Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Dogs

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a condition in which parts of the cerebellum have not
completely developed. The cerebellum makes up a large part of the brain, lying
under the cerebrum and toward the back, above and behind the brainstem.
This condition can occur due to intrinsic (genetic) causes, or to extrinsic causes
like infections, toxins or nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms become visible
when the puppies begin to stand and walk, around six weeks of age. Cerebellar
hypoplasia is hereditary in Airedales, Chow Chows, Boston Terriers, and Bull
Terrier breeds.

Symptoms and Types

Head bobbing

Limb tremors
Aggravated by movement or eating

Disappear during sleep

Unsteadiness or clumsiness with a wide-based stance

Unable to judge distance and disequilibrium:

Falling, flipping over

Slight improvement may occur as the puppy accommodates to its deficits

Causes
Hereditary in some breeds

Infection of the body and/or brain

Environmental toxins, ingested toxins

Nutritional deficiencies

Diagnosis
You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health, including a
background history of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have
precipitated this condition. If you can provide any information on your dog's
birth, or on the condition of the mother, it may help your veterinarian to
pinpoint the cause of the defect. Your veterinarian will conduct a complete
physical exam with a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an
electrolyte panel and a urinalysis.

Animals affected with cerebellar hypoplasia show signs at birth or shortly

thereafter. Puppies may show a slow progression of signs over weeks to
months. After postnatal onset of signs of cerebellar hypoplasia, these patients
should not show any further progression of signs. Age, breed, history and typical
non-progressive symptoms are usually sufficient for tentative diagnosis.
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Treatment
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5/8/2021 Brain Tissue Undervelopment in Dogs | PetMD

There is no treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia. While these signs are

permanent, they typically do not worsen and affected dogs have normal
lifespans.

Living and Management

Your dog will be developmentally disabled, so it will not be able to make
decisions to protect itself as other dogs do. You will need to restrict your dog's
activity and movement so as to prevent injuries and road accidents. Climbing,
falling, or freedom of movement at the park, all of the normal things that dogs
do, will need to be prevented with your dog. In the case of severely brain
deficient animals that are unable to feed or groom themselves, or to be house
trained, euthanasia may be considered.

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