Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (NCCD) - Beagle

Neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration (NCCD) is a neurodegenerative disease found in several canine breeds including Beagles. NCCD in Beagle is characterised by clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction, such as ataxia, crossing of legs, uncoordinated movement, loss of balance and tremor of the head and legs. First symptoms appear at around 3 weeks of age when puppies normally develop coordinated movement. The majority of puppies affected with NCCD are euthanized shortly after diagnosing the first signs of this disease.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: SPTBN2 gene

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