Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD) In Rottweilers

A Preventable But Fatal Genetic Disease

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD) is a serious inherited neurological disease that affects Rottweilers. It is progressive, incurable, and ultimately fatal. The most important thing to understand is this: NAD is preventable through DNA testing and responsible breeding.

If you are planning a breeding or purchasing a puppy, understanding NAD is essential.

What Is NAD?

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy is a degenerative neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the VPS11 (Vacuolar Protein Sorting 11) gene. It affects the brain and spinal cord and results in progressive loss of coordination and motor control.

NAD is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. This means a puppy must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to be affected.

Dogs fall into three categories:

• Clear (N/N) – The dog does not carry the mutation.
• Carrier (N/NAD) – The dog carries one copy of the mutation but will not develop the disease.
• Affected (NAD/NAD) – The dog has two copies of the mutation and will develop NAD.

Because carriers appear completely normal, affected puppies can be produced if two carriers are bred together.

When Does NAD Appear?

NAD typically develops in young Rottweilers between 6 and 18 months of age.

Common early signs include:

• Wobbly or drunken gait (ataxia)
• High-stepping, uncoordinated movement
• Postural instability
• Intention tremors when trying to move
• Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)

The disease progresses steadily. Most affected dogs become severely neurologically impaired by one to two years of age.

There is no treatment and no cure.

Diagnosis And Testing

While definitive diagnosis historically required post-mortem examination of the nervous system, today DNA testing allows identification of clear, carrier, and affected dogs before breeding ever occurs.

This makes prevention straightforward and responsible.

How To Prevent NAD

Prevention is simple and non-negotiable in modern breeding programs:

• DNA test all breeding stock
• Ensure at least one parent is Clear (N/N)
• Never breed two carriers together
• Never breed an affected dog

If one parent is Clear, affected puppies cannot be produced.

Where To Test

The VPS11 mutation associated with NAD is included in the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory Rottweiler Health Panel.

Breeders and owners can learn more here:
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/panel/rottweiler-health-panel

The panel includes Neuroaxonal Dystrophy testing along with other important breed-related genetic conditions. Testing is typically performed using a cheek swab or blood sample submitted to the laboratory.

What Puppy Buyers Should Ask

If you are purchasing a Rottweiler puppy, ask for:

• DNA test results for NAD
• Documentation showing at least one parent is Clear
• Official laboratory reports, not verbal assurances

A responsible breeder will provide this information willingly.

There Is No Treatment

It bears repeating. NAD is progressive and fatal. Most affected dogs are humanely euthanized due to declining quality of life.

Because testing is readily available, producing affected puppies today is preventable.

Protecting The Breed

Ethical breeding requires proactive health testing. NAD is one of the conditions that can and should be prevented through informed decision-making.

Test.
Verify.
Breed responsibly.

The future of the Rottweiler depends on it.