Introduction
- First recognized in 1997 by German veterinarian Diana Plange after a number of dogs bred by a single breeder were affected. Recognized in 1999 in the US.
- Cause : unknown.
- Signs : cramping episodes with normal attitude between episodes.
- Treatment : symptomatic, although some dogs respond to hypoallergenic diets.
- Diagnosis : usually based on history, signs and ruling out other conditions.
- Prognosis : generally good as not life-threatening and episodes do not appear to progress.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs
- These involuntary movements usually require a degree of exercise or stress before they occur.
- Like in other breed-related movement disorder, the clinical presentation consists of a combination of chorea (abrupt and nonsustained contraction of different muscle groups and dystonia (involuntary sustained contraction of a group of muscle) - severe trembling, staggering - drunken appearance.
- As further episodes occur muscle cramping more obvious - usually affects hind limbs and tail may curl up.
- Exaggerated stretching.
- Some dogs unable to stand.
- Borborygmi.
- Lip smacking or licking.
- Episodes last seconds to 30 minutes.
- No loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
- Epilepsy
. - Microvascular disorders.
- Back pain.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (for abdominal form) .
Sequelae
Prognosis
- Episodes tend to remain with same severity throughout life ie no progression of signs.
Expected response to treatment
- May become asymptomatic with dietary control.
Sources
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Investigation is being carried out at the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals at Utrecht University, the Netherlands:
- If you have a dog with this condition a questionnaire can be completed at:http://www.vet.uu.nl/site/viavet/html/enquete_en_voor.
