Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA)

Foals affected with CA appear normal at birth. Around six weeks of age (although sometimes as late as four month), the disease causes the death of neurons in the cerebellum, leading to head tremor and a lack of balance equilibrium (ataxia), among other neurological deficits. The neurological problems may not be apparent to owners and frequently thought to be a consequence of a fall rather than CA. Signs of CA are variable. Some foals show very severe signs, including the exaggerated gaits and a dramatic lack of balance. Others have littel more than the head tremor, which may only manifest itself during goal-directed movement.