Neuroaxonal dystrofi (NAD) – Miniature American Shepherd

Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) in dogs is an inherited condition that affects the nervous system. In the condition, there is swelling of cells in the brain which affect the communication with nerve cells. NAD can be present at birth or develop later in a dog’s life, leading to neurological dysfunction and loss of coordination.

There are multiple variants of mutations known in different breeds. In the Toy Australian Shepherd and Miniature American Shepherd, a variant of the disorder has been observed which is probably caused by a recessive mutation to the gene RNF170.