We describe a protocol for the rapid and sensitive quantification of disease severity in mouse models of cerebellar ataxia. Measures include hind limb clasping, ledge test, gait and kyphosis. This protocol effectively discriminates between affected and non-affected individuals, and detects the progression of affected individuals over time.
Guyenet, S. J., Furrer, S. A., Damian, V. M., Baughan, T. D., La Spada, A. R., Garden, G. A. A Simple Composite Phenotype Scoring System for Evaluating Mouse Models of Cerebellar Ataxia. J. Vis. Exp. (39), e1787, doi:10.3791/1787 (2010).