Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Border terriers with epileptoid cramping syndrome have limb tremors
By Black, V et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2014·Davies Veterinary Specialists·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Phenotypic characterisation of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome in the Border terrier.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Border terriers were observed for episodes of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome, which caused symptoms like difficulty walking, mild tremors, and unusual movements affecting their limbs and neck. Most of these dogs had their first episode before they turned three years old, and the episodes could last anywhere from a couple of minutes to over two hours. Many owners noticed their dogs also had gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting and diarrhea, around the time of these episodes. After changing their dog's diet, about half of the owners reported fewer episodes.
People also search for: Border terrier cramping syndrome · dog difficulty walking and vomiting · canine epileptoid cramping treatment · dog diet for seizures · Border terrier tremors causes
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To characterise the phenotype of Border terriers suspected to be affected by canine epileptoid cramping syndrome and to identify possible contributing factors. METHODS: Owners of Border terriers with suspected canine epileptoid cramping syndrome were invited to complete an online questionnaire. The results of these responses were collated and analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine Border terriers were included. Most affected dogs had their first episode before 3 years of age (range: 0·2 to 7·0 years). The majority of episodes lasted between 2 and 30 minutes (range: 0·5 to 150 minutes). The most frequent observations during the episodes were difficulty in walking (27 of 29), mild tremor (21 of 29) and dystonia (22 of 29). Episodes most frequently affected all four limbs (25 of 29) and the head and neck (21 of 29). Borborygmi were reported during episodes in 11 of 29 dogs. Episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea occurred in 14 of 29, with 50% of these being immediately before or after episodes of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (7 of 14). Most owners (26 of 29) had changed their dog's diet, with approximately 50% (14 of 26) reporting a subsequent reduction in the frequency of episodes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates similarities in the phenotype of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome to paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis, a paroxysmal dyskinesia reported in humans. This disorder appears to be associated with gastrointestinal signs in some dogs and appears at least partially responsive to dietary adjustments.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24372194/