AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER CLUB OF NEW SOUTH WALES
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Cerebeller Ataxia

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a relatively healthy breed, though it is affected by some unpleasant disorders. One of the most serious disorders from which this breed suffers is called Hereditary Ataxia or Cerebellar Ataxia. This is a neurological disorder of a serious nature and as of yet there is no cure; it seems as if the gene governing the disorder is quite widespread in the breed and often avoiding the breeding of affected dogs is difficult due to the late onset of symptoms. Research to find out the exact mode of inheritance and to find some kind of treatment is ongoing and owners of dogs with the disease are encouraged to allow their dogs to participate in trials and studies.

This condition involves the cerebellum, a very important part of the brain; it’s located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and spinal cord. The most important function of the cerebellum is the coordination of movement. It takes information regarding the position of the body and its muscles and integrates it with pathways coming from higher structures of the brain that involve movement commands. Based on the body’s position, the cerebellum is able to control movements with a high level of precision; the cerebellum is constantly working to maintain posture and muscle tone. If this area is damaged, the individual will have great difficulty moving and often swaggers and sways; there may even be cognitive damage as well.

Hereditary ataxia is a condition in which there is widespread degeneration of the cerebellum. While the signs resulting from hereditary ataxia could be indicative of a wide variety of diseases or problems that affect the cerebellum, this particular disease is characterized by a certain order and rate of appearance of signs. First, you’ll see your dog behave somewhat clumsily and he could begin to sway occasionally. Clumsiness worsens over time with the progression of the disease and soon the dog will constantly fall over, losing his balance. You may also notice rapid eye and head movements and walking will become much more difficult; weight loss is often seen in dogs suffering from hereditary ataxia. These symptoms usually do not occur in dogs younger than two years of age.

Exactly how the disease develops is still poorly understood and it actually seems to be different in different dogs. Signs are slow to develop in some dogs, while they develop rapidly in other dogs. As of now, this is a fatal disease as there is no cure and a normal life is impossible; Amstaffs with hereditary ataxia are more often than not humanely euthanized by the time they are 7 or 8 years old. There are no diagnostic tests at the moment to specifically detect hereditary ataxia; confirmation of the presence of the disease comes only through an autopsy, after death. If you see your Amstaff exhibiting strange signs, you must immediately take the dog to a veterinary neurologist who will perform a wide variety of tests to rule out any other possible condition that could lead to the same signs.
Cerebellar Ataxia is inherited as a autosomal recessive trait, which means a dog must have two defective copies (one from each parent) to be affected. A dog once tested will be classified as one of the following three classifications:

Clear - 2 normal copies of the implicated gene - the dog does not have ataxia, is not a carrier for ataxia and cannot produce carrier or affected offspring.

Carrier -  1 normal copy and one defective copy of the implicated gene - the dog is not affected by ataxia but is a carrier of the gene.  He can pass the gene onto his offspring.

Affected - 2 defective copies of the implicated gene - the dog has ataxia, and will pass the gene onto offspring.

The approximate breakdown rate of breeding a clear, carrier and affected dog is as follows:

Clear to Clear - 100% Clear


Clear to Carrier - 50% Clear, 50% Carrier

Clear to Affected - 100% Carriers

Carrier to Carrier - 25% Affected, 25% Clear, 50% Carriers

Carrier to Affected - 50% Affected, 50% Carriers

Affected to Affected - 100% Affected

It should be noted if 2 Clear dogs are bred together, the resulting pups are clear by parentage and do not require testing.  If you are purchasing a Amstaff pup, please ask the status of the parents Ataxia test results.

A test for Cerebellar Ataxia was found in 2008, there is no reason for a breeder NOT to have their dogs tested.





ANTAGENE Australia
Helen Ambler (Authorised reseller)
Tél : +61 (0)431 550 157
Email : TheDNALady@ mail.com
Facebook: The DNA LADY GROUP

" DNA collections for Sydney Metro can be arranged by phone or email.   I provide kits and do the collection saving breeders from paying a Vet. consultation fee. All  transaction for currency exchange, postage & handling are included in the fee of $130.
 
Clients who are not in Sydney, can order kits which will be posted to you. Unfortunately you will still need to have collection done by a Vet. 

 I am the only none Vet who is authorised to do DNA collections for Antagene in Australia. I am also a collection Agent for Animal Network.  No other DNA Laboratory is licensed to do Cerebellar Ataxia  test in Australia. No other none Vet other than myself is authorised to do these collections in Australia."

Kind Regards 
Helen Ambler
The DNA Lady
Australia
M/B 0431 550 157


To have your dog tested, please visit Antagene's website.  You will need to request a DNA Swab kit from Antagene, once it arrives, take your dog and the test kit to your vet.  Your dog will need to be microchipped.  The vet will do a non invasive cheek swab and sign all the paperwork for Antagene, send the form and swab back to them along with payment and a few weeks later you will receive a certificate with your dogs status!



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  • Home
  • The ASTC NSW
    • The Committee
    • Membership
  • About The Breed
    • Breed Standard
    • History
    • Health >
      • Cerebeller Ataxia
      • Hip Dysplasia
      • Elbow Dysplasia
      • Eye Conditions
      • Heart Conditions
      • Thyroid Conditions
      • Luxating Patellas
    • Temperament
    • Puppy Care
    • Breed Bans
  • Events
    • Club Calendar
    • Dog Sports >
      • Agility
      • Obedience
      • Tracking
    • Conformation Shows >
      • Showing Your Dog
      • Championship Shows 2020
      • Accommodation options
      • Previous Conformation Shows >
        • 2019 >
          • 38th Championship Show
          • 39th Championship Show
        • 2018 >
          • 36th Championship Show
          • 37th Championship Show
        • 2017 >
          • 34th Championship Show
          • 35th Championship Show
        • 2016 >
          • Friday 25th March 2016
          • Saturday 30th March 2013 Open Show
          • Saturday 26th March 2016
        • 2015 >
          • 27th August 2015
          • April 2015
        • 2014 >
          • 28th August 2014
          • Saturday 19th 2014 Championship Show
          • Friday 18th April 2014 Championship Show
          • Saturday 19th April Open Show
        • 2013 >
          • 29th August 2013
          • Saturday 30th March 2013 Championship Show 2
          • Friday 29th March 2013 Championship Show 1
        • 2012 >
          • Sunday 8th April 2012 Championship Show
          • Saturday 7th April 2012 Open Show
          • Friday 6th April 2012 Championship Show
        • 2011 >
          • 24th April 2011 Open Show
          • 24th April 2011 Championship Show
          • 23rd April 2011 Open Show
          • 23rd April 2011 Championship Show
        • 2010 >
          • 11th September 2010
          • 10th April 2010
        • 2009 >
          • 29th November 2009
          • April 2009
        • 2008 >
          • November 2008
          • 29th March 2008
        • 2007 >
          • November 2007
          • April 2007
        • 2006 >
          • November 2006
          • April 2006
        • 2005 >
          • 18th November 2005
          • 27th March 2005
        • 2004 >
          • 19th November 2004
          • 11th April 2004
        • 2003 >
          • 21st November 2003
          • 20th April 2003
        • 2002 >
          • 22nd November 2002
          • 31st March 2002
        • 2001 >
          • 14th October 2001
    • Point Score >
      • Point Score Rules
      • Point Score Dates 2019
      • Point Score Dates 2018
  • Directory
    • Amstaff Breeders
    • Stud Dogs
    • Litters
    • Available Adults
  • Links
  • CONTACT US