Disorder - Cerebellar hypoplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Hydrocephalus

Presenting Signs

The cerebellum is a part of the brain involved in balance and muscle control. In cerebellar hypoplasia, the cerebellum fails to develop properly. Affected cats are alert and responsive but have problems with coordination and balance. Affected kittens may appear normal when born, but clinical signs will become visible by around the time they start walking. These animals lose their balance and will thus stagger as if drunk when walking. Kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia commonly have an intention tremor. This means they will shake and bob their heads up and down when trying to perform an action. Affected kittens have jerky movement, and they may take large steps. These cats seem to compensate for their lack of coordination over time, and symptoms do not get worse with age.

PubMed References
Cerebellar hypoplasia

Contributor
Heather Shortridge