Understanding Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Dogs

If you’ve noticed your dog stumbling, losing their balance, or developing a tremor, it’s natural to feel scared; especially when you don’t yet have answers. Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is a genetic condition where the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination gradually stops working as it should. It’s a hard diagnosis, but understanding what’s happening and what you can do about it makes a real difference. Here’s what to know.

What is Cerebellar Abiotrophy?

Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is a hereditary condition that causes the gradual breakdown of specific brain cells (called Purkinje cells) in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates movement. Think of these cells as the brain’s movement editors: they take the raw signals telling your dog’s body what to do and smooth them out so everything moves in sync. When they break down, those signals get through unfiltered, and the result is the jerky, unsteady movement that’s the hallmark of this condition.

The important thing to know is that CA doesn’t affect your dog’s personality, awareness, or ability to think. Dogs with CA are still fully present: curious, affectionate, and engaged. It’s their body’s ability to follow through on movement that becomes unreliable over time.

There’s no cure, but there’s a lot you can do to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Symptoms of Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Dogs

When CA progresses, it can look like your dog is having trouble navigating the world around them. Here’s what to watch for:

• Stumbling, falling, or general loss of balance
• A high-stepping or “drunken” gait
• Head bobbing or intention tremors (Tremors that appear specifically when your dog is reaching for something or focusing on a movement)
• A wide-legged stance as your dog tries to stabilize themselves
• Difficulty judging distances, like misjudging the height of a step

These signs can look like other neurological conditions, so a proper vet evaluation is important. It’s also worth knowing that dogs with CA are not typically in pain, their coordination is affected, but their comfort and mental awareness generally are not.

Causes and Risk Factors

CA is a genetic disease, inherited when a puppy receives specific faulty genes from one or both parents. The age at which symptoms first appear varies significantly by breed:

• Early onset (weeks of age): Seen in some Beagles and Kerry Blue Terriers
• Juvenile onset (3–6 months): More common in Gordon Setters and Lagotto Romagnolos
• Late onset (young adulthood): Seen in some Border Collies and Australian Kelpies

Other breeds with documented predisposition include Old English Sheepdogs and Borzois. If you’re considering a breed known to be affected, asking breeders about DNA testing and health screening is a reasonable step.

How Cerebellar Abiotrophy Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually begins with a neurological exam, during which your vet assesses your dog’s coordination, reflexes, and movement patterns. Confirming CA typically involves additional steps:

Diagnostic tool	What it involves	What it’s looking for
Neurological exam	Physical assessment of reflexes, gait, and coordination	Signs consistent with cerebellar dysfunction
MRI scan	Detailed imaging of the brain	Cerebellar changes, and to rule out other causes like tumors or inflammation
DNA testing	A genetic test, available for some breeds	Specific gene mutations associated with CA in that breed
CSF analysis	A sample of fluid taken from around the spinal cord	To rule out inflammatory or infectious neurological conditions

In most cases, a combination of clinical signs, breed history, imaging, and DNA results gives your vet enough information to make a confident diagnosis and guide your care decisions. A definitive confirmation at the cellular level isn’t always possible during a dog’s lifetime. But in practice, it’s rarely needed to move forward with a clear management plan.

Managing Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Dogs

There’s no treatment that stops or reverses CA, but there’s a lot you can do to keep your dog safe and comfortable day to day:

• Environmental safety: Soft bedding to cushion falls, non-slip mats on hard floors, removing sharp-edged furniture, and ramps in place of stairs where possible
• Assisted feeding: If tremors make it hard for your dog to reach their bowl, raised feeders or hand feeding can help
• Physical rehabilitation: Gentle, guided movement exercises won’t slow the neurological progression, but can help maintain muscle mass and support safer movement for longer
• Monitoring swallowing: Coordination problems can sometimes affect swallowing, watch for coughing or gagging during meals and mention it to your vet if you notice changes
• Regular vet check-ins: Tracking how the condition is progressing helps you and your vet stay ahead of changes and adjust your approach as needed

Some dogs with CA find a plateau and adapt well. Others experience a more consistent decline. Your vet can help you read where your dog is at and what adjustments make sense.

Prognosis and Quality of Life

CA progresses differently in every dog, and there’s no reliable way to predict the timeline. The focus of long-term care is quality of life; keeping your dog comfortable, safe, and engaged with the world around them for as long as possible.

At some point, if day-to-day activities like eating, moving, or resting become consistently difficult or distressing, euthanasia may become the most compassionate option. That’s never an easy conversation, but it’s worth having with your vet before you feel like you’re in crisis mode. Knowing what signs to watch for, and having a plan, can make one of the hardest decisions feel a little less overwhelming when the time comes.

Is Cerebellar Abiotrophy Covered By Pet Insurance?

Yes, cerebellar abiotrophy is covered under Lemonade Pet’s base accident and illness policy, as long as it isn’t pre-existing. That includes eligible costs like MRI scans, physiotherapy, and the ongoing supportive care that’s typically part of managing the condition.

Caring for a dog with CA involves a lot, emotionally and financially. Having coverage in place before any symptoms appear means that when you’re focused on keeping your dog comfortable and supported, the cost side of things is already handled.

Once signs appear, the condition is typically considered pre-existing and won’t be eligible for coverage. If your dog is healthy now, getting a policy in place is one of the most important steps you can take.

Before we go

Caring for a dog with cerebellar abiotrophy can be hard, and it’s okay to find it that way. But dogs with CA often remain sharp, curious, and connected to the people they love, even as their coordination changes. Working closely with your vet, making your home a safe space, and staying attentive to your dog’s quality of life are the things that matter most. You know your dog better than anyone, and that counts for a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.