Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)

What is Cerebellar Abiotrophy?

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) is an inherited neurological disease that affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance, coordination and fine motor control.

CA is an autosomal recessive condition, meaning a puppy must inherit one copy of the affected gene from each parent to develop the disease. Dogs carrying only one copy of the gene remain healthy but can pass the gene on to future generations.

Research has shown that there are several genetically distinct forms of CA within the Australian Working Kelpie population, including both early-onset and late-onset forms. As research continues, our understanding of the disease and the genes involved continues to improve.

Understanding CA Test Results

Clear

A Clear dog carries no copies of the tested CA gene mutation.

  • Will not develop that form of CA.

  • Cannot pass the mutation to its offspring.

  • Can be safely bred to any dog with regard to that mutation.

Carrier

A Carrier dog carries one copy of the tested mutation but will not develop the disease.

  • Appears completely healthy.

  • Can pass the mutation to approximately 50% of its offspring.

  • Should only be bred to a Clear dog.

Carrier dogs can still make excellent working dogs and valuable breeding animals. Responsible breeding decisions allow important bloodlines to be preserved while preventing affected puppies from being born.

Affected

An Affected dog carries two copies of the tested mutation and is expected to develop, or has developed, clinical signs associated with that form of CA.

Affected puppies inherit one copy of the mutation from each parent.

How is CA Inherited?

A mating between:

  • Clear × Clear = All puppies Clear.

  • Clear × Carrier = Puppies may be Clear or Carrier. No puppies will be Affected.

  • Carrier × Carrier = On average:

    • 25% Clear

    • 50% Carrier

    • 25% Affected

For this reason, BATWK strongly encourages breeders to DNA test breeding dogs and make informed mating decisions.

DNA Testing

DNA testing allows breeders to determine a dog’s CA status before breeding.

BATWK recommends testing all breeding animals and recording the results on the BATWK registration database. Recording health information alongside pedigree records helps breeders make informed decisions, improves transparency, and supports the long-term health of the Working Kelpie population.

 

BATWK Health Database

The BATWK database allows members to record the health status of their dogs alongside pedigree information.

By recording CA results, breeders and puppy buyers can:

  • View the recorded CA status of registered dogs.

  • Make informed breeding decisions.

  • Reduce the risk of producing affected puppies.

  • Help preserve the health, welfare and longevity of the Australian Working Kelpie.

Further Information

BATWK also supports a private Facebook support group where owners and breeders can discuss Cerebellar Abiotrophy, share experiences and voluntarily record DNA results. Information shared within the support group remains confidential and is not published elsewhere without permission.

Please refer to the inheritance diagram below for a simple illustration of how CA can be passed from one generation to the next.

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