Morphometric magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing in cerebellar abiotrophy in Arabian horses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is a rare but significant disease in Arabian horses caused by progressive death of the Purkinje cells resulting in cerebellar ataxia characterized by a typical head tremor, jerky head movements and lack of menace response. The specific role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to support clinical diagnosis has been discussed. However, as yet MR imaging has only been described in one equine CA case. The role of MR morphometry in this regard is currently unknown. Due to the hereditary nature of the disease, genetic testing can support the diagnosis of CA. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform MR morphometric analysis and genetic testing in four CA-affected Arabian horses and one German Riding Pony with purebred Arabian bloodlines i

SUBMITTER: Cavalleri JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3671216 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature