Cerebellar Vermis Agenesis (Dandy Walker Syndrome)
Congenital malformations of the cerebellum with caudal vermian hypoplasia is described, with some dogs having associated ventricular dilation (Dandy-Walker malformation). This is a rare congenital malformation that shares similarities with the human form of the disease. It consists of a triad of congenital anomalies, including cerebellar vermian hypoplasia, communicating hydrocephalus, and the presence of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the posterior fossa.
Age of Onset: 2 weeks - 3 months of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs typically did not worsen over time
Clinical signs typically did not worsen over time
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Periodic opisthotonus
Wide-base stance
Movement
Hypermetria/Dysmetria
Ataxia
Intention tremor
Inability to stand or maintain balance
Unable to remain in a sternal position
Mild spasticity
“lurching” or forward-falling movements
Loss of muscle tone
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Absent menace response
Nystagmus
Spinal Reflexes
Exaggerated spinal reflexes
Posture and Appearance
Periodic opisthotonus
Wide-base stance
Movement
Hypermetria/Dysmetria
Ataxia
Intention tremor
Inability to stand or maintain balance
Unable to remain in a sternal position
Mild spasticity
“lurching” or forward-falling movements
Loss of muscle tone
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Absent menace response
Nystagmus
Spinal Reflexes
Exaggerated spinal reflexes
Intracranial - Cerebellum
Unknown
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