Cerebellar hypoplasia (non-human)

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Cerebellar hypoplasia is a disorder found in cats and dogs in which the cerebellum is not completely mature at birth.




There are several bacterial infections and viral infections such as feline panleukopenia, caused by feline parvovirus (while in utero),[1] that can result in the disorder in both cats and dogs. However, the disease can also be caused by malnutrition, poisoning, injury or general accidents during development in the fetus.


The disease does not get better or worse with age, but the cat or dog can usually learn to somewhat compensate for it and should have a normal lifespan. Afflicted animals can, in theory, lead a fairly normal life if special considerations for the animal's disability are taken by the pet's owner. However, the secondary complications, such as accidental injuries that occur as a result of having the condition, may lead to a shorter lifespan. Some affected animals are also euthanized due to the severity of the clinical signs.

Similar conditions[edit]

A related condition seen in cats, dogs, horses, cattle, sheep and other animals is cerebellar abiotrophy. The symptoms are similar, and the two conditions are sometimes confused with each other, but cerebellar abiotrophy occurs due to loss of purkinje cells in the cerebellum that occurs after the animal is born. Cerebellar abiotrophy is usually a genetic condition.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ "Cerebellar Disorders : Small Animals". The Merck Veterinary Manual. 2008. Retrieved 2007-07-10. 

External links[edit]