Bandera’s Neonatal Ataxia (also referred to as Bandera’s Syndrome) is a hereditary disease found only in the Coton de Tulear dog. This hereditary disease is named for the second Coton puppy diagnosed with the disease and results in affected puppies with an inability to coordinate their movements. This is due to a mutation in a glutamate receptor gene that affects neurotransmitter levels leading to improper brain signals and impeded movement coordination. Affected puppies can be recognized within the first few weeks as displaying difficulties walking, eating, standing and eliminating. There have been no known adult Cotons affected with Bandera’s Neonatal Ataxia.

• Coton de Tulear

A (CLEAR/NORMAL): These dogs have two copies of the normal gene and will neither develop BNAT nor pass this mutation to their offspring.

B (CARRIER/NOT AFFECTED): These dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutation associated with this disease. They will not develop BNAT but will, if bred, pass the mutation to 50% of its offspring, on average.

C (AT RISK/AFFECTED): These dogs have two copies of the mutation associated with this disease which results in ataxia and poor survival beyond a few weeks of age.