border terrier shaking syndrome

Many had the back and abdomon affected (16 of the 29 participants). [2] Other diets and some drugs might also help with some of the symptoms. Age of onset of the attacks was 3.1 0.3 years (mean standard error; median, 3 years; N = 51 dogs; range, 0.36.5 years). The .gov means its official. In 2000, Spike began exhibiting more severe symptoms including cramping and epileptic-like fits; tests performed at Utrecht University in 2002 were Prof Rothuizen already had examined Border Terriers from Germany, determined that the dog did not have epilepsy.[8]. Most owners found the condition could be managed by diet. Some licked the air (14 of 29 participants). Most of the episodes occurred from rest, and 67% of the owners reported that the episodes were associated with a trigger, most often excitement. A Terrier known for his gentler ways, the Border Terrier is a family favorite because of his affectionate, loving manner with children. Sometimes, you'll spy your Border Terrier shaking. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the While researching I discovered that Vets do not report irregularities as they should to a collective data base. The aim of this study was to further characterize the phenomenology and clinical course of this condition, collecting data from both veterinary neurologists and owners of affected dogs, and compare this condition to known human movement disorders. Owners of cramping dogs began to connect via Internet groups, including a support group started by Miedema; the condition came to be known in NL as "Spike's Disease. Fiftysix percent (26 of 46) of the owners described autonomic signs, such as salivation, urination, defecation, or vomiting, associated with the episodes, more frequently salivation (22 of 46) and vomiting (11 of 46) in 48% and 24% of dogs, respectively. An episode of vomiting was followed by panting and salivation. He does not have CECS but he is a border terrier. Why do dogs hide their pain? I hope this is the first of much research to come. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical cases treated by veterinary neurologists and additional information was collected prospectively with an adhoc online survey directed to owners of affected dogs. The inclusion criteria were breed (only dogs identified by the responder as Border Terriers were included) and history of more than one episode of involuntary movements with apparent preservation of consciousness. The neurological examination in both dogs was normal; longterm followup was not available. He has had two minute-long episodes, plus an awful 3 hour one on Monday 9 Feb 2015. Similar to the Border Terrier attacks, PNKD attacks in humans tend to occur only few times per year (up to several times per week) and last longer than in PKD (from 10 minutes up to 12 hours, although usually not longer than 1 hour).6 Eighty percent of genetically proven cases of human PNKD were found to have a combination of dystonia and chorea; however, 12% only had dystonia, as seen in Videos 1 and 2 of Border Terrier attacks.6 Primary PNKD usually has no other associated interictal signs similar to the Border Terriers in this study that had episodes of involuntary movements for a median time of 27 months without developing neurological signs between episodes. Information on frequency and duration of the episodes and recovery time is reported in Table Table22. To delay could equate to the death of your beloved Border Terrier. We finally traced the symptoms to his liver. The Border Terriers included in Black et al. There have been anecdotal reports of episodic involuntary movements in the Border Terrier dog breed for over a decade. Careers. App. The site is secure. By the end of 2001, Spike was having 23 epileptoid episodes per week. When the dog attempted to walk, the limb movements were initiated, but not controlled appropriately, and there was poor coordination between joint flexor and extensor muscles. leads or has been part of have received funding in the last 12 months from the following: BSAVA Petsavers, the Dogs Trust, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Syringomyelia DNA research, For the Love of Ollie fund, Rupert's Fund & Friends of Lola Fund, Cavalier Matters, and UK CKCS & Griffon Bruxellois clubs. In December, the Journal of Small Animal Practice published an article on canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (or CECS) in border terriers. I have never had a border terrier affected with CECS but as a breeder Ive found your article interesting and informative. The dogs were between 10 months and 14 years of age (median, 6 years) at the time of the survey. The important thing is the meat I feed is GRAIN FED no corn or soy. His life could depend on it. Dogs typically remain alert and responsive during episodes that can last from a few seconds to several minutes. 18 out of the 29 owners felt they could predict the onset of an episode. Border Terrier puppies suffering with SPS experience shaking of the back legs and instability on their feet. Like other genetic diseases such as Late Onset Ataxia or Primary Lens Luxation, a dog that tests clear is unable to pass on the disease. I spent the next years with a raw diet, omega 3s and a detox protocol that brought the dog from the grave to living out to be 15 yrs of age at his passing and the symptoms were cleared after approximately 2 years. There are several Facebook groups for CECS that might be able to offer advice. This shaking behavior is often accompanied by pacing and bouts of restlessness and hyperactivity. It was Erica Jabroer-ter Ln from the Netherlands who stepped in at an early stage of Mrs. Plange`s investigations and in an enormous effort not only built up what can easily be recognized as the best Border Terrier database worldwide, but together with Mrs. Plange, coordinated research at several European universities. National Library of Medicine It can be a very normal reaction in any Terrier. In 75% (30 of 40) of the dogs, the episodes occurred at any time during the day; the remaining dogs tended to have episodes in the evenings (nine dogs) or during the night (five dogs). Video 1. Gluten free diet is an effective treatment for CECS. Some excessively stretched (14 of 29 participants). This association may be coincidental given that epilepsy is commonly diagnosed in UK Border Terriers; in fact, a recent study found that in the UK, Border Terriers are 2.7 times more likely to present epilepsy than crossbred dogs.13 However, an association between paroxysmal dyskinesia and other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and ataxia, has also been observed in individual human patients or families.4 Recently, a mutation in the KCNMA1 gene, encoding the pore forming a subunit of the large conductance calciumsensitive potassium (BK) channel, has been discovered in a large human family with coexistent generalized epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia.14 Sixteen affected individuals presented epileptic seizures (n = 4), PNKD (n = 7), or both (n = 5).14. The decision to include dogs with a history of generalized seizures was based on the fact that the cooccurrence of epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesias and ataxias is reported in humans and may be present also in veterinary patients.4 Dogs older than 6 years at the onset of the clinical signs were excluded by the study if information on brain MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was not available, given that they would be more likely to have a structural etiology for the episodes.5 It was decided that each responder could enter only one affected dog, and the information collected with the questionnaire was compared with information on clinical cases collected retrospectively. 's study, 26 of 29 (90%) owners changed their dog's diet, suspecting an association between the attacks and diet.3 The majority of the owners selected hypoallergenic diets, and over 50% of the owners that participated in the survey reported a reduction in the frequency of the episodes.3 The limited number of dogs in our study, and the fact that the new diets were all different, does not allow conclusions to be drawn. Other owners report success with commercial hypoallergenic formula feeds.. While this is a significant number, it is reassuring to think that most owners (66%) therefore. The presence of autonomic signs could indicate that the episodes are part of a syndrome affecting multiple areas of the nervous systems, as in the case of some channelopathies described in humans.12, The owners of five Border Terriers in this study reported that their dogs also had generalized tonicclonic seizures with loss of consciousness, clonic movements, and autonomic signs; four of the dogs were clinical cases examined by veterinary neurologists, and the owner of the last dog (shown in Video 2) was contacted by email and reported a progression toward more severe episodes and suspected generalized seizures; however, video recordings of the suspected seizures were not available for review. The dog's gait became progressively stiff and hypometric until the dog came to a stop with a widebased stance and showed generalized tremors. I believe my 5 year old lab experienced this last night. Some dogs also exhibit tremors when their bodies are unwell or have become intoxicated with a poisonous substance. Shaking provides a means of coping with something that is hurting. [7] Other owners report success with commercial hypoallergenic formula feeds. 2022 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. 11 of 29 respondents were quieter after an episode. The videos illustrate the typical presentation of the episodes based on the authors experience. Do you mind ellaborating on the detox protocol you did for your dog? The clinical presentation of the described Border Terrier attacks is similar to primary or familial forms of paroxysmal dyskinesias in humans.6, The phenotypic classification of paroxysmal dyskinesias in humans is based on precipitating factors and, at this time, includes three types of paroxysmal dyskinesias: paroxysmal kinesigenic (PKD); nonkinesigenic (PNKD); and exercise induced (PED).7 PKDs are triggered by sudden movements and the attacks are typically brief, lasting only seconds. Most owners (18 of the 29) described their dogs as acting similar after an episode as before. Twentynine owners reported that their dogs experienced always the same type of episode and 18 of 47 dogs (38%) had different types of episodes. During the episodes, the dogs appear to be disoriented, but responsive to stimuli, with dystonia, tremors affecting neck, trunk, and limbs, and titubation (see Video 1). In 2015 a study concluded: "Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome in Border Terrier's is a gluten-sensitive movement disorder triggered and perpetuated by gluten and thus responsive to a gluten-free diet. Those sounds are enough to rouse even the most stoic of Terriers from slumber to an alert, wagging presence at your feet. However, after the number of symptomatic dogs with apparently normal livers increased, the concentration shifted to diet in early 1999, as through thorough investigation she found that the symptoms were responding to a nutritional change. Another CSF analysis showed a total nucleated cell count of 11 cells/L (normal, <5 cells/L), mixed pleocytosis, and normal protein content. I have read that some say cut the protein intake down. 's study presented with episodes of abnormal involuntary hyperkinetic movements or muscle tone; dogs with concurrent urination, defecation, and hypersalivation were excluded from the study.3 In our study, we found that 56% of the dogs with similar episodes of involuntary movements showed autonomic signs during the episodes, most commonly hypersalivation and vomiting reported in 48% and 24% of the dogs, respectively. ), 10 of the 29 owners (34%) felt that CECS had a negative impact on the dogs quality of life. This is not of any concern. I would like to know of any support group, especially in England. In addition to the described symptoms my dog also seems to go momentarily blind and / or deaf. Of course, it is important to consider the obvious as well. At this point, prevention is the best course of action. What do you mean by a raw diet? It is comforting to know that this condition has at last been recognized and is not classed as epilepsy. Weakness in the wild made a dog a target for predators. Description of the episodes provided in the survey and, when available, video recordings were reviewed to characterize the nature of the episodes. Terriers are exceptionally tightly wound little dogs. My 2 year old border terrier max first displayed symptoms while we was on holiday and he was staying with a dog sitter ,she kindly took him to our vets who believed he had epilepsy and put him straight on drugs to control epilepsy,I agreed as max had clusters a few fits,but while on holiday I began research and took him off the epilepsy medication as it was not epilepsy,as soon as he was off the medication he perked up,we know when he will have a fit as it begins with his stomach making very loud noises and he seeks us out to comfort him,its mostly at night we let him out he opens his bowels all is fine no diorea,he will then or may eat some grass he will continue to have a noisy stomach for some time,then he will sit down shake mostly the back legs like tremors,if you look at his back the muscles along his back expand and contact,after this he will usually be off his food and spear generally down,today I went to the vets she is keen to check him for a liver shunt,but to me he is not showing symptoms of liver shunt,does this seem a sensiblecstep to take,would really appreciate any and all advice, red craig, If you are in the UK, I would see to find a vet that has a knowledge of CECS. Is there anything to be done? The University of Edinburgh, Recently, it has been hypothesized that this condition may be a form of paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. I am wondering. The Border Terrier is highly prized for his game spirit and tenacious personality. Our dogs do love us very much, and one way they express that is through wagging their tails, giving exuberant little kisses, and shaking with pure joy. I have just now, after many thousands of dollars at the vet (to no avail) discovered through my own research that my dog has CECS. Sorry I meant GRASS fed not GRAIN FED, and yes it is expensive, but so are vet bills! In some dogs, one or two episodes are seen followed by long-term or permanent remission. Some dogs got a rumbly tummy (11 of the 29 participants). Still other Border Terriers may shake as a response to mental stimulation. Recently, a DNA test has been formulated to properly test any potential breeding dog for the presence of the genes which can be responsible for SPS. Phenotypic characterisation of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome in the Border terrier. One of the most common explanations for this behavior is pain. It is possible that the response to a change in diet might be a placebo effect, as previously described in canine epilepsy trials, and induced by similar anecdotal claims reported on the World Wide Web.8 It is also possible that the new diets improved the Border Terriers general health status and reduced their stress; in fact, 28% of the dogs in this study presented recurrent skin and ear problems and 16% of the dogs had recurrent gastrointestinal problems, which may be associated with an underlying food hypersensitivity. I found this research really helpful. There were 33 respondents in all, but 4 dogs were excluded for not meeting the criteria. Department of Clinical Science and Services, Videos accompanying this article are available in the supporting information here. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Some Border Terriers may shake to remove excess debris or water from their coats. About a year later, the dog began exhibiting strange symptoms, starting with apparent absentness and occasional staggering. In others, episodes may be frequent or progressive in frequency and duration. Some become so stimulated that they wag their whole bodies, and yes, shake too! Fitzpatrick Referrals, I feel her condition is deteriorating and she is coming up for 6 years old now. Twentyeight percent (7 of 25) of the dogs had concurrent dermatological conditions; seven dogs had otitis externa and five of these dogs also had suspected allergic dermatitis; gastrointestinal problems affected 16% (4 of 25) of the dogs. The CSF analysis was slightly abnormal in 2 of 11 dogs; one sample of CSF was defined as mildly reactive based on the presence of reactive lymphocytes and activated macrophages on cytology; cell count and protein content were normal. This is not the time to wait to gauge signs of improvement. According to current research, the best way to manage CECS seems to be by diet. The limitations of this study were its retrospective nature and the use of information derived from a questionnaire for 36 of 53 dogs (68%). This is groundbreaking news. during this paroxysm of generalized dystonia; he appeared to be conscious and was found to have normal menace response in both eyes and conscious postural reactions in all four limbs; no autonomic signs were detected. Some owners reported an improvement after changing their dog's diet. KearsleyFleet L, O'Neill D, Volk H, Church D, Brodbelt D. Prevalence and risk factors for canine epilepsy of unknown origin in the UK, Calciumsensitive potassium channelopathy in human epilepsy and paroxysmal movement disorder, Man's best friend becomes biology's best in show: genome analyses in the domestic dog, Leader of the pack: gene mapping in dogs and other model organisms, Dog star rising: the canine genetic system, Clinical signs (CEQ, RR = 58% or 31/53 dogs), Additional clinical signs reported by the owners (OEQ, RR = 96% or 51/53 dogs), Autonomic signs (CEQ, RR = 87% or 46/53 dogs), Clinical signs (OEQ, RR = 96% or 51/53 dogs), Head nodding, licking lips, head held down, swaying of the body side to side (titubation), Loud intestinal noise, yawing, scooting backward, distressed, watering eyes, Side of the body affected (CEQ, RR = 87% or 46/53), Tremor localization (CEQ, RR = 89% or 47/53), Clinical signs (CEQ, RR = 64% or 34/53 dogs), Frequency of the episodes (RR = 53% or 28/53), 1 per day to 1 per year (median, 1.5 episodes per month), Highest number of episodes per day (RR = 92% or 49/53), 1 to 6 episodes per day (median, 1 episode per day), 10 seconds to 2 hours (median, 5 and 0.5 minutes), Duration of the recovery time (RR = 68% or 36/53), Immediate recovery to 2 days (median, 7 and 0.5 hours). 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