Spinocerebellar ataxia, LOA (Late Onset Ataxia)

The chief symptom of SCA is uncoordinated gait (ataxia) with characteristic “dancing" or “prancing” leg movements. Clinical signs usually become notable between 6 and 12 months of age. Especially during the initial months of disease, the degree of truncal ataxia, pelvic limb hypermetria (overreaching with the hind legs) and impaired balance is progressive. During the later stages of the disease walking often becomes difficult. In the interest of animal welfare, owners of affected dogs often opt for euthanasia.