Abiotrophy

Abiotrophy

Abiotrophy is a loss of function or degeneration for unknown reasons. Abiotrophy usually occurs shortly after birth, but it can begin before birth. Abiotrophy has genetic causes, and is therefore hereditary.

Cerebellar abiotrophy is characterized by the death of a specific type of neuron (brain cell) in the cerebellum, which causes a lack of balance, poor depth perception, and loss of coordination. It also causes a head tremor, awkward stance, stiff or high-stepping gait, and a lack of awareness of the position of their feet. In dogs, it causes body tremors.

The intelligence of the inflicted animal is usually unaffected. The animal may live to its normal lifespan. Animals with this disease often need assistance to navigate their environment. The diagnosis of this disorder can be confirmed only by examining the brain of the animal after it dies.

It mostly affects certain breeds of horses and dogs, but it can also affect cats, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Because animals inflicted with this disorder are prone to falling down, horses are often euthanized for humane reasons.

Retinal abiotrophy is a condition that can affect cats and minks. With retinal abiotrophy, the cells in the eye degenerate for no known reason.