Primary orthostatic tremor in giant breed dogs

Abstract

Journal of Small Animal PracticeVolume 47, Issue 4 p. 229-229 Free Access Primary orthostatic tremor in giant breed dogs First published: 28 March 2006 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00104.xCitations: 1AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat MADAM We have recently recognised a new movement disorder in Great Danes and mastiffs known in man as primary orthostatic tremor (OT). We hope to collect a sufficient number of cases for genetic analysis and long-term treatment evaluation. This neurological condition causes dramatic tremors that are visible only when the animal is standing. The tremors typically begin in the lower aspects of the legs, but can also involve the muscles of the head and face. The tremors are usually first apparent at a young age (1-2 years). The unique feature of the tremors is that affected dogs often appear reluctant to lie down and demonstrate what appears to be a constant “shivering” while standing, almost suggestive of an involuntary dance. OT is different from other causes of tremors in that the tremors completely disappear when the dog walks, runs, leans against an object, or lies down. We believe that OT has been previously mistaken for other diseases known to affect large breed dogs including Wobbler syndrome, Addison's disease, and cerebellar disease. Great Danes with OT appear otherwise healthy on physical examination, and generally do not have any significant abnormalities detectable on routine blood tests, radiographic examination, or spinal fluid analysis. MRI examination of the brains of these dogs is normal. Definitive diagnosis of OT requires documentation of the characteristic tremor pattern during a conscious electromyographic (EMG) examination. To date about a dozen Great Danes and mastiffs in the United States, Canada, and the UK have been identified with OT. The cause of OT in man and dogs is unknown. Currently available information suggests that affected dogs are not related, but a pedigree analysis has not yet been completed. The identification of spontaneous OT in dogs provides a unique research opportunity that may be beneficial to our understanding of the cause and eventual treatment of this disease in people and dogs. We are therefore appealing for veterinarians to contact us if they suspect OT in a giant breed dog. If you suspect a case of OT and would like to discuss it please contact Davies Veterinary Specialists (Laurent Garosi), Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Herts SG5 3HR, UK, e-mail: lsg@vetspecialists.co.uk, or Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (John Rossmeisl), VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060-0442, USA, e-mail: jrossmei@vt.edu Reference Garosi, L. S., Rossmeisl, J. H., De Lahunta, A., Shelton, G. D. & Lennox, G. (2005) Primary orthostatic tremor in Great Danes. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 19, 606- 609 Citing Literature Volume47, Issue4April 2006Pages 229-229 ReferencesRelatedInformation