Hereditary ataxia is a neurologic disorder, causing loss of coordination, muscle weakness and sensory problems. In the Australian Shepherd, the disorder is caused by a recessive mutation to the gene PNPLA8. The disease is progressive, and may require euthanasia due to increasingly poor quality of life.
Fortunately hereditary ataxia in the Australian Shepherd can now be tested with a DNA test. This DNA test is available in the CombiBreed webshop with test number H781 or as part of the CombiBreed pack Australian Shepherd (test number H321).
