Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Episodic mandibular tremor in dogs: an idiopathic movement disorder or a manifestation of pain.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Liatis, Theofanis et al.
- Affiliation:
- Royal Veterinary College · United Kingdom
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Episodic mandibular tremor (EMT) in dogs shows up as teeth chattering and is not well understood. In a study involving 11 dogs treated at veterinary hospitals and 31 dogs surveyed online, all dogs experienced quick episodes of tremors that lasted less than a minute, often triggered by excitement. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was the most commonly affected breed, and most dogs had other health issues alongside the tremors. In three dogs that had further tests, no brain disease was found. This study helps clarify EMT as a possible movement disorder or a sign of pain in dogs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Episodic mandibular tremor (EMT), manifested as teeth chattering, is not well described in dogs. The aim of this study was to describe clinical signs, MRI findings, and outcome of dogs with EMT. ANIMALS: 11 dogs retrospectively and 31 dogs in an online survey. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of dogs with EMT between 2018 and 2023 and prospective online questionnaire open to owners of pets with teeth chattering. RESULTS: All dogs had rapid and short-lasting (< 1 minute) episodes of EMT in the absence of other neurological signs. Lip smacking occasionally accompanied the tremor in 5 of 11 (45.5%) hospital dog cases. Excitement was a common trigger in 14 of 31 (45.2%) dogs from the survey. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was the most common breed in both clinical and survey populations. Median age at presentation was 3 years for both hospital cases and the survey dogs. A concurrent medical condition was present in 8 of 11 (72.7%) hospital cases and 20 of 31 (64.5%) survey dogs. In 3 hospital dogs that underwent further investigations, no brain disease was present. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: EMT and its clinical features are presented for the first time, shedding light on a clinical sign that might resemble an idiopathic movement disorder or a manifestation of pain in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38838709/