Neonatal Ataxia (NA)



Bandera’s Syndrome

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Price: $45.00Price: £40.00

Breeds: Coton De Tulear, Mixed Breed, Unspecified

Description

Neonatal Ataxia (NA), or Bandera's Syndrome (BNAt), is a genetic mutation that affects the nervous system of Coton de Tulear dogs. The mutation damages the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and movement.

An affected Coton tends to fall on its side when attempting to stand and will not be able to walk. The dog will only be able to move in sideways or "swimming" motions. Symptoms can be detected quickly after a pup is old enough to begin moving around. There is no treatment or cure, and affected dogs will never be able to properly walk.

Neonatal Ataxia is an autosomal recessive trait. Autosomal recessive traits are traits that can be passed from either parent and require two copies of the gene to show symptoms. Those with one copy of the trait are known as carriers. Carriers will not exhibit any symptoms, but will pass on the defective gene to offspring. It is important to test a dog's DNA for BNAt before breeding, especially if breeding to another carrier. If two carriers breed, there is a 25% chance per puppy that it will develop symptoms of NA.

Possible Results

Genotype Description
NA/NA Affected: Dog has two copies of the Neonatal Ataxia mutation and will be affected. The gene will be passed on to every offspring.
n/NA Carrier: Dog has one copy of the Neonatal Ataxia mutation. Dog will not be affected by NA but may pass the mutation to offspring.
n/n Clear: Dog is negative for mutation associated with Neonatal Ataxia.

Reference

Zeng R, Farias FH, Johnson GS, McKay SD, Schnabel RD, Decker JE, Taylor JF, Mann CS, Katz ML, Johnson GC, Coates JR, O'Brien DP. A truncated retrotransposon disrupts the GRM1 coding sequence in Coton de Tulear dogs with Bandera's neonatal ataxia. J Vet Intern Med. 2011 Mar-Apr; 25(2):267-72. [PubMed: 21281350]