Alexander Disease

Alexander disease is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative hereditary disorder, caused by astrocyte dysfunction. Astrocytes are specialized cells in the brain and spinal cord, which contain a specific protein called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Mutation in GFAP gene is the most common cause of the disease. The age of affected dogs is usually less than 12 months. Clinical signs begin as incoordination, a head tilt, knuckling on limbs, issues with balance, nystagmus and an aversion to touch which later progress to ataxia, paresis in the hindlimbs and tetraparesis.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: GFAP gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.