Degenerative encephalopathy is a neurological disorder and is characterised by degeneration of the part of the brain that is important for controlling movement and some aspects of behaviour.
Clinical signs include loss of coordination (problems running, jumping or swimming), anxious and aggressive behaviour, excessive focus on food and abnormal tail position. These signs become gradually worse with age, with most affected dogs being euthanised by 3-5 years of age due to poor quality of life.