Neuronopathies are diseases in which premature degeneration of neurons (nerve cells) occurs. Progressive neuronopathy is a genetic disease characterized by gradual degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord leading to hind limb weakness and incoordination, which deteriorated with exercise, and paralysis. The disease occurs in the Cairn Terrier. Progressive neuronopathy is different from globoid cell leukodystrophy ), an autosomal recessive disorder also found in this breed and characaterized by much more severe symptoms which include seizures, hypotonia, blindness and death.
- Progressive neuronopathy in two Cairn terrier litter mates. Zaal MD, van den Ingh TS, Goedegebuure SA, van Nes JJ
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- Globoid cell leukodystrophy in Cairn and West Highland White Terriers" by DA Wenger, T Victoria, MA Rafi, P Luzi, MT Vanier, C Vite, DF Patterson, and MH Haskins. In: Journal of Heredity, January-February 1999, volume 90, issue 1