First molecular diagnosis of cerebellar abiotrophy in an Arabian foal in Uruguay

Abstract

Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation in the DNA that affects the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, mainly causing problems in the balance and coordination of animals. Among the species that are affected is equine, mainly the Arabian breed. In this study we presented the case of an Arabian foal with clinic signs compatible with the pathology mentioned before. Histopathological and molecular studies were carried out to confirm the clinical findings, giving results that were positive for CA in both cases. Considering these findings and that the neurological symptomatology compatible with CA in horses is not new in our country, it is important to study the Arabian breed at a population level, in order to know the prevalence of CA in Uruguay.