Cerebellar Ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurological disease that affects American Staffordshire Terriers and a handful of other breeds. The first signs of the disease in American Staffordshire Terriers usually appear between 3-5 years of age in affected dogs. The signs include: loss of balance, difficulty cornering, and falling when shaking their head. As the disease progresses, most dogs seem to have difficult initiating movements. When they become unable to walk without falling repeatedly, owners usually make the difficult decision to euthanize.
The incidence of Cerebellar Ataxia has increased greatly in the last few years due to affected dogs being bred before they exhibited the first symptoms. Until the recent development of a DNA test, it was impossible to detect a "carrier". Two carriers bred together produce litters that have the potential of affected dogs. It is estimated affected dogs are present in almost all "lines" of today's American Staffordshire Terrier.
In the fall of 2008, as noted above, a DNA test was developed to identify the implicated gene after YEARS of research by Dr. Natasha Olby at North Carolina State University, funded by the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America and AKC's Canine Health Foundation and with recent collaboration by French scientists. Antagene, a French based DNA research laboratory, patented the test which is now processed via its USA agent, Optigen in New York. [Visit www.optigen.com for futher information on testing]
The new DNA test, by either cheek swab or cell sample [ blood or semen] is a revolution for owners and breeders of Am. Stafs. The results of the test is a Genotype and allows separation of dogs into three groups:
GenotypeGenetic StatusDevelopTransmit
1. Homozygous Normal 2 normal copies of the NONO
[normal/clear] Cerebellar Ataxia gene
2. Heterozygous1 normal copy & 1 defective NO YES-up to 50%
[carrier]copy of the Cere. Ataxia geneof offspring
3. Mutated Homozygous2 defective copies of the YES YES
[affected]Cerebellar Ataxia gene
The test now allows conscientious breeders to exclude mating at risk dogs [carrier x carrier producing affected dogs] and transmission of the disease causing copy of the gene.
For years, Cabin Creek donated blood samples for testing to further Dr. Olby's studies on any female who we owned and had been bred. While we currently have no certificate to authenticate Dr. Olby's findings, we have been advised of the following results and openingly offer them for your knowledge:
UKC GR CH/AKC pointed Cabin Creek's Diamond MysticCarrier
UKC GR CH/AKC CH. Larsan Cabin Creek Sugie's Sis Clear
AKC CH.Cabin Creek Gaff's Attah-Tude Carrier**
AKC CH.Cabin Creek Andsurely Trouble Carrier
**Tude had a litter sister who was an affected dog. Genetically speaking, both her sire and dam were carriers of a defective copy of the gene.
In our continuing effort to breed healthy, sound dogs and since development of the test, we have learned of the following test results provided by Optigen/Antagene: [all of our dogs carry a permanent identification number and were sampled via blood donations by a vet or vet tech only]
AKC CH.Cabin Creek Bud's UpClear
AKC CH.CabNCrk's Cowboy Take Me Away Clear
AKC CH.CabinCrk Dark Side O'The Moon Clear
AKC major pt. Cabin Creek Here For the Party Clear
AKC CH. Bergstaff Bet On Cabin Creek Clear
AKC major pt. Cabincrk When UR A Celebrity Clear
We will continue to test our dogs in the upcoming year and update our data accordingly. If you are considering breeding your Am. Staf we would urge you to DNA test your dog. If you are considering buying an Am. Staf puppy, we would urge you to ensure you are receiving a pup from DNA tested parents. Copies of health certificates should be made readily available from an ethical breeder.
