Diagnosis of cerebellar cortical degeneration in a Scottish terrier using magnetic resonance imaging

Primary cerebellar cortical degeneration (CCD), also termed abiotrophy, is the spontaneous premature degeneration of fully differentiated neurological tissue. Cerebellar hypoplasia shares many morphological features with prim ary CCD, both conditions being characterised by decreased cerebellar size, with reduced numbers of Purkinje and granular cells. CCD has been identifie d in many canine breeds. This is the first report of the syndrome in a Scot tish terrier. The patient presented with mild, gradually progressive ataxia . Survey radiographs of the cervical spine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) an alysis were normal. CSF distemper and Toxoplasma titres were negative. A di agnosis of cerebellar atrophy was made based on magnetic resonance imaging. The progressive clinical signs suggested cerebellar degeneration rather th an hypoplasia. On necropsy, the cerebellum showed macroscopic and microscop ic changes consistent with primary CCD.