WELCOME to the CA (Cerebellar Abiotrophy) Information Center...
where we hope to assist in your understanding of this disease. We have put together a set of articles which we strongly encourage you to read before accessing the pedigree database or the list of CA affected Old English Sheepdogs. All dogs listed have been confirmed as affected by Dr. Jerold S. Bell. 
We hope these articles will expand your knowledge of Cerebellar Abiotrophy and help you realize the importance and purpose of the list of CA affected dogs. The list and the pedigree database must not be used for a “witch hunt” in an attempt to damage a breeder’s reputation, but rather to aid everyone in diminishing the incidence of CA affected dogs. The owners and breeders involved are to be applauded for their honesty and courage in coming forward with this information.
- The first article (see below) describes CA and the diagnostic process.
- The second article explains the mode of inheritance. Learning how to control a disease through genetics and breeding practices is an important factor in the health and future of Old English Sheepdogs.
- The third article explains the importance of Relative Risk Pedigree Analysis and how to use it. Until there is a genetic test for carriers of CA, Relative Risk Analysis is our only tool for assessing the likelihood of producing dogs affected with Cerebellar Abiotrophy
We plan to add a relative risk calculator program to this web site in the future so that you will be able to do your own risk analysis when planning a breeding. Until then, please contact Dr. Bell to request a risk analysis of your pedigree for proposed mating's.
If you suspect your dog may have CA or is more clumsy than normal, please contact:
Jerold S Bell, DVM
Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics
Department of Clinical Sciences
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
jerold.bell@tufts.edu
(860) 749-8348 Fax (860) 749-4760
Please note the menu item "CA Articles" to access additional documents concerning Cerebellar Abiotrophy.
Thank you,
The OESCA Health and Research Committee
First Article:
CA in the Old English Sheepdog
