What is Ataxia?
What is Ataxia? The term ataxia is derived from the Greek meaning “without order”. Ataxia refers to a lack of normal coordination of movement. There are different types of ataxia, but we are focusing on…
Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy/Degeneration
Endothelial Dystrophy – The cornea is normally the transparent “windshield” of the eye, serving to protect the internal structures of the eye while allowing light to enter for vision. The endothelium is a single layer…
Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
The pupillary membrane is a fetal structure that covers the pupil prior to birth. It is supposed to resolve (go away) shortly after birth. Sometimes part or all of it will persist. This is known…
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is a condition where eyelashes emerge from a structure in the eyelid (meibornian gland) which does not normally produce hairs. These “extra eyelashes” emerge so close to the eye that they can contact the…
What is Glaucoma and How Does it Develop?
What is Glaucoma and How Does it Develop Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative diseases with the most consistent clinical finding being increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Increased IOP is painful and causes damage to the…
Neonatal Ataxia mutation in Jack Russell Terriers found
Dr Gary Johnson’s lab at the University of Missouri – College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to announce that the mutation responsible for development of neonatal ataxia in Jack Russell Terriers has been identified, and…
Development of a DNA Test
Some Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) suffer from a progressive neonatal cerebellar ataxia that differs from a previously reported spinocerebellar ataxia in this breed. Serial neurologic examinations of affected pups revealed normal mentation, intention tremors and…
Ataxia
Submitted by Debbie Johnson It has been almost 20 years since I first experienced Cerebellar Ataxia. I had spent several years acquiring a number of quality working bitches before I decided to purchase a stud…
Ataxia in the Jack Russell Terrier
Cerebellar Ataxia a.k.a. neonatal cerebellar ataxia, primary granule cell degeneration Onset of signs – 2 weeks of age when pups begin to ambulate Neurologic abnormalities – An uncoordinated gait, spastic in all limbs, start out…
Degenerative Myelopathy
Dr Joan Coates & Dr Gary Johnson & associates (University of Missouri) in collaboration with Drs Claire Wade & Kirsten Lindblad-Toh & associates (Broad Institute at MIT) identified a mutation that is the primary risk…