Cerebellar Diseases
Basic Information 
Definition
• The cerebellum provides regulation of range, rate, and strength of skeletal movement, as well as coordination of balance and posture. Diseases of the cerebellum often have profound effects on posture and gait but fortunately are rare in horses.
• Diseases of the equine cerebellum include cerebellar abiotrophy and degeneration; congenital brain malformation (Dandy-Walker–like syndrome); developmental diseases (eg, cerebellar hypoplasia, cerebellar dysplasia, cerebellar hypoplasia with internal hydrocephalus); infection caused by Sarcocystis neurona, Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, equine herpesvirus type 1, or Halicephalobus gingivalis; and miscellaneous conditions (eg, Gomen disease, cerebellar herniation, methyl mercurial poisoning, hematoma of the fourth ventricle reported in two Thoroughbred foals). Most of the diseases are very rare, and interested readers are referred to literature describing the specific diseases.
Epidemiology
Species, Age, Sex
Genetics and Breed Predisposition
• Cerebellar abiotrophy and degeneration: This is a genetic neurologic disease with a recessive mode of inheritance, meaning that a horse can carry the disease gene but not be affected by the disease. Arabian and part-Arabian horses are affected most frequently. Cerebellar abiotrophy in Oldenburg horses is progressively fatal with histologic lesions similar to those of Arabian foals. The disease is not usually fatal in Arabian foals.
Clinical Presentation
History, Chief Complaint
• Cerebellar abiotrophy and degeneration: Affected foals appear normal at birth but develop intentional head tremor (vertical or horizontal) and a lack of balance equilibrium (ataxia) at around 6 weeks of age.
• Dandy-Walker syndrome: Difficulty rising, seizures shortly after birth in Arabian or Thoroughbred foals
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