Cerebellar ataxia / CA1 (RALGAPA1-related) - Belgian Shepherd Dog

What does this test analyse?

This genetic test analyses the RALGAPA1 c.6080-2893_6944+1003del variant in the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The disorder is described as cerebellar ataxia CA1, also known as RALGAPA1-related cerebellar ataxia.

What does this mean for the dog?

RALGAPA1 is involved in regulatory processes important for nerve-cell development and motor coordination. Affected puppies may show uncoordinated gait, wide stance, muscle tremors, balance problems and hypermetria from about four to six weeks of age. In some dogs the signs partly stabilize, but severe cases can leave persistent neurological impairment.

Practical value of this test

• Breeders can identify carriers before Belgian Shepherd Dogs are mated.
• The result helps avoid carrier x carrier matings and lowers the risk of puppies with CA1.
• In puppies with early ataxia, tremors or hypermetria, the test supports a concrete genetic explanation.
• The test helps preserve lines responsibly without automatically excluding carriers.

Inheritance and result

The trait is autosomal recessive. N/N means clear, N/CA1 means carrier and CA1/CA1 causes RALGAPA1-related cerebellar ataxia.