Mitochondrial Fission Encephalopathy (MFE)

Mitochondrial fission encephalopathy (MFE) is a familial cerebellar ataxia with hydrocephalus described in Bullmastiffs. First signs occur in around six months of age. The main symptoms include ataxia, impaired vision and behavioural abnormalities. Behavioural abnormalities consist of hysterical behaviour, multifocal brain disease, difficulty to train, backing compulsively when called and lifting a foreleg while eating. Major clinical signs are macroscopically related with symmetrical hydrocephalus and histologically with cerebellar vacuolisation, gliosis and axonal degeneration.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: MFF 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.