Katia Marioni-Henry1, Clare Rusbridge2,3, Holger A Volk4. 1. Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Hospital for Small Animals, Veterinary Center The University of Edinburgh Roslin United Kingdom. 2. Fitzpatrick Referrals Godalming United Kingdom. 3. School of Veterinary Medicine Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences University of Surrey Guildford United Kingdom. 4. Department of Clinical Science and Services Royal Veterinary College Hatfield United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There have been anecdotal reports of episodic involuntary movements in the Border Terrier dog breed for over a decade. Recently, it has been hypothesized that this condition may be a form of paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenomenology and clinical course of this condition and compare it to known human movement disorders. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from clinical cases treated by veterinary neurologists and additional information was collected prospectively with an ad-hoc online survey directed to owners of affected dogs. RESULTS: The episodes are characterized by generalized dystonia, tremors, titubation, and, in some cases, autonomic signs, such as salivation and vomiting. The median age at onset of the episodes was 3 years and the interval between clusters of episodes could last several months. Most of the episodes occurred from rest, and 67% of the owners reported that the episodes were associated with a trigger, most often excitement. Some owners reported an improvement after changing their dog's diet. We hypothesize that the Border Terrier attacks represent a form of paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of a dystonia phenotype within an inbred population suggests a genetic predisposition, and elucidating the genetic cause could facilitate improved understanding of dystonia. This genetic predisposition and the effect of treatment with anticonvulsant drugs and dietary changes on the severity of the paroxysms warrant further investigation on this condition.
BACKGROUND: There have been anecdotal reports of episodic involuntary movements in the Border Terrier dog breed for over a decade. Recently, it has been hypothesized that this condition may be a form of paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenomenology and clinical course of this condition and compare it to known human movement disorders. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from clinical cases treated by veterinary neurologists and additional information was collected prospectively with an ad-hoc online survey directed to owners of affected dogs. RESULTS: The episodes are characterized by generalized dystonia, tremors, titubation, and, in some cases, autonomic signs, such as salivation and vomiting. The median age at onset of the episodes was 3 years and the interval between clusters of episodes could last several months. Most of the episodes occurred from rest, and 67% of the owners reported that the episodes were associated with a trigger, most often excitement. Some owners reported an improvement after changing their dog's diet. We hypothesize that the Border Terrier attacks represent a form of paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of a dystonia phenotype within an inbred population suggests a genetic predisposition, and elucidating the genetic cause could facilitate improved understanding of dystonia. This genetic predisposition and the effect of treatment with anticonvulsant drugs and dietary changes on the severity of the paroxysms warrant further investigation on this condition.
Authors: Wei Du; Jocelyn F Bautista; Huanghe Yang; Ana Diez-Sampedro; Sun-Ah You; Lejin Wang; Prakash Kotagal; Hans O Lüders; Jingyi Shi; Jianmin Cui; George B Richerson; Qing K Wang Journal: Nat Genet Date: 2005-06-05 Impact factor: 38.330
Authors: Dakir Polidoro; Luc Van Ham; Patrick Santens; Ine Cornelis; Marios Charalambous; Bart J G Broeckx; Sofie F M Bhatti Journal: J Vet Intern Med Date: 2020-05-16 Impact factor: 3.333