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SCOTTIE CRAMP Note for Pet Owners:
This information is provided by
Provet for educational purposes only.
You should seek the advice of
your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise
on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for
your pet. Topics on this Page:
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Description
Scottie cramp is a neuromuscular condition that has been recognised to occur in
Scottish Terriers
Cause
Th
Breed Occurrence
The disease occurs in Scottish Terriers
Signs
Scottie Cramp may occur in puppies as young as 6 weeks of age and is usually first recognised in young puppies. The disease affects the animals posture and locomotion with muscular spasms, hyperflexion and hyperextension of limbs :- Rigidity of the hindlegs
- Falling over when running
- In severe cases the puppy may be unable to walk or run
Complications
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based upon the clinical signs and breed of dog. Adose of
methysergide can be given which blocks serotonin and increases the frequency
and severity of symptoms
Treatment
Several forms of symptomatic treatment have been tried in these cases,
including :
- Diazepam 0.5-1.5mk/kg by mouth three times daily
- Methylsergide 0.1-0.6mg/kg by mouth - has its effects in 2 hours and lasts 12 hours.
Vitamin E has been suggested to be helpful in some cases (1)
Euthanasia may be recommended for severely affected cases.
Provet recommends that affected individuals are neutered and are not bred from to try to eliminate the condition from affected breed lines
Prognosis
Good, unless the affected animal is unable to walk.
Long term problems
Reference
(1). Chrisman, Cheryl; Clemmons, Roger; Mariani, Christopher; Platt, Simon (2003). Neurology for the Small Animal Practitioner (1st ed. ed.). Teton New Media1
Updated November 2013