Details about the disease
SCA is a progressive irreversible condition that causes degeneration in the areas of the spinal cord that carry information to the brain. Most dogs with SCA are put to sleep at a young age due to poor quality of life.
Clinical signs
Affected dogs show signs as early as 2-6 months of age. These signs are presented as coordination difficulties such as pelvic limb swaying when walking, difficulty jumping and climbing stairs, frequent falling due to balance problems and difficulty returning to standing position.
How is it inherited?
SCA is associated with a mutation in the CAPN1 gene. It is suggested that the inheritance of SCA may occur via an autosomal recessive mutation. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.
Which laboratories do we record and publish the results from?
To find out which laboratories The Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which laboratories will send results directly to The Kennel Club, please refer to our website.
Please be aware, The Kennel Club has a set of criteria that we request DNA testing laboratories to meet to enable us to record their results, helping to maintain and protect the integrity of results that appear on a dog’s record. We strongly advise that customers ensure their chosen laboratory is included on our list if they wish The Kennel Club to record and publish the results. Results from laboratories not included on this list will not be recorded.
Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean
If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.
How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested
The Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of The Kennel Club's official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.