Cerebellar abiotrophy is a rare inherited brain disorder that causes premature aging and deterioration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. In most cases, the cerebellum matures normally before the puppy is born. After birth the specific cells, known as the Pukinje cells, deteriorate steadily. The sole exception is English Pointers, which are subject to a different form of the disease that's carried through dominant genes.

This rare brain disorder has several variations and results in poor balance and coordination. A very rare type of this disorder is known as neonatal cerebellar abiotrophy sometimes occurs where the brain cells begin deteriorating before birth and results in symptoms being displayed after birth or when the dog begins to walk. This form often strikes Beagles and Samoyeds.

Postnatal cerebellar abiotrophy can develop at varying levels dependant on the individual dog with symptoms appearing at around 6 to 12 weeks and the condition rapidly worsening within a few weeks. An affected dog will have poor balance and usually stand with their feet wide apart and have a stiff gait. Head and body tremors can also be present as well as frequent confusion and seizures. Breeds most often affected with this form of the disorder are Australian Kelpies, Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers.

Diagnosis of cerebellar abiotrophy usually involves an assessment of the symptoms and a variety of tests including MRI. Unfortunately there is no available effective treatment for this condition and most animals diagnosed with this disorder are euthanized.