Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle spasms and collapse in a young Jack Russell terrier
By Lobetti, R G·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·2009·Bryanston Veterinary Hospital·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Myotonia congenita in a Jack Russell terrier.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-month-old male Jack Russell terrier was brought in for muscle spasms and collapsing during playtime. The vet found that the dog's muscles were unusually large but not painful, and he had a hopping gait that got better with movement but worsened when he rested or changed direction quickly. Tests showed no other issues, but a DNA test confirmed he had a genetic condition called myotonia congenita, which affects muscle function. This specific gene mutation had not been previously reported in Jack Russell terriers.
People also search for: Jack Russell muscle spasms · myotonia congenita in dogs · puppy collapsing during play
Abstract
A 4-month-old male Jack Russell terrier was evaluated for non-painful muscle spasms and collapse associated with exercise and activity. Clinical examination revealed well-defined, non-painful hypertrophic muscles of the fore and hind limbs and exercise and excitement induced hindquarter bunny-hopping gait, which improved with activity but worsened with resting and with any sudden changes in direction of movement. Neurological examination and routine laboratory testing showed no abnormalities. DNA analysis for myotonia congenita showed the dog to have a gene mutation in the chloride ion channel, diagnostic for myotonia congenita, which has not been reported in the Jack Russell terrier breed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19831273/