Cerebellar hypoplasia(CH)
Also known as: Kleinhirnhypoplasie · Cerebelläre Hypoplasie · Congenital cerebellar hypoplasia · Cerebellar cortical hypoplasia
Overview
What it is
Cerebellar hypoplasia is an inherited neurological condition where the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, fails to develop fully. This underdevelopment is autosomal-recessive, meaning a puppy must inherit the gene from both parents to be affected. Because it only impacts physical coordination, the dog's cognitive abilities, intelligence, and awareness remain completely normal.
How it presents
Symptoms usually become noticeable when puppies first attempt to walk, typically around two to three weeks of age. Owners will observe a wide-based stance, uncoordinated or clumsy movement, and head tremors that often intensify when the dog focuses on a specific task.
Treatment
While there is no cure, the condition is non-progressive and can be managed with supportive care and home safety adjustments. Expected lifetime costs range from 1,000 to 3,000 EUR, primarily covering initial diagnostic imaging like an MRI and physical therapy.
How it's tested
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Cerebellar hypoplasia?
Cerebellar hypoplasia is an inherited neurological condition where the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, fails to develop fully. This underdevelopment is autosomal-recessive, meaning a puppy must inherit the gene from both parents to be affected. Because it only impacts physical coordination, the dog's cognitive abilities, intelligence, and awareness remain completely normal.
How is Cerebellar hypoplasia tested?
Tests currently in our database: Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Canadian Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd Dog, Chow Chow, Irish Red Setter.