Breed Specific: There is currently no specific research paper for the Finnish Hound, but supportive evidence indicates the genetic test may be relevant. (2025)

Clinical Comments: This form of ataxia is characterized by being an early-onset, progressive disease resulting in a lack of coordination, difficulty balancing and walking, and tremor. Clinical signs were present by the age of 3 months, and cerebellar shrinkage was detectable through MRI. Progression is fast, with some dogs being euthanized before 6 months of age.

Veterinary Comments: Inherited ataxias are characterized by degeneration of the cerebellar structures, which results in progressive motor incoordination... The Finnish Hound suffers from an early-onset progressive cerebellar ataxia... Neurological examinations on ten affected dogs revealed rapidly progressing generalized cerebellar ataxia, tremors, and failure to thrive. Clinical signs were present by the age of 3 months, and cerebellar shrinkage was detectable through MRI. Pathological and histological examinations indicated cerebellum-restricted neurodegeneration. (Kyostila et al, 2012)