The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small, framed dog with a wiry fur coat, and typically offers a lovable and affectionate personality.
However, this Scottie breed is prone to some hereditary health disorders, with one of the main disorders being known as Scottie Cramp. This is a neurological movement disorder that affects Scottish Terrier dog breeds.
What are the causes of Scottish cramp?
Scottie’s health problem is caused by a disorder in serotonin metabolism that causes an overdose or a shortage of available serotonin. It is inherited as a recessive trait and normally occurs in young Scottish Terrier puppies. This condition does not progress as the dog gets older, but will remain at the original severity level throughout the dog’s life. The Scots are still able to live long and healthy lives as the disorder is not a progressive disease.
It is advisable not to reproduce with Scots that have this condition.
Scotch Cramp Symptoms
This disorder will mainly occur in young Scottish Terrier puppies. Scottie Cramp symptoms often occur soon after a stressful situation, a lot of emotion, or after a regular exercise routine. Below are several symptoms that could be signs that your Scottish Terrier is suffering from Scottish cramps.
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Stiff/cramping hind legs
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clumsy movements
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difficulty breathing
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puppy collapse
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gasps for air
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muscle contractions
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Spinal bowing
An episode can last up to 30 minutes and vary in severity levels. Many Scottish Terrier owners note seeing only one seizure in their dog. However, more stressful or active environments offer a greater potential for occurrence.
Scottie Cramp causes neurological disorders in the Scottie breed, as does cerebral abiotrophy (CA). In most situations where a Scottie’s symptoms are constant and show progression, the dog will be diagnosed as having cerebellar abiotrophy.
Factors Affecting the Expression and Severity of Scottie Cramp
Scottish Terrier puppies can suppress the elicitation of Scottish cramp symptoms by modifying their activity
nutritional factors. These factors are important in determining the severity of the dog’s symptoms. Increased administration of an amino acid, tryptophan, and glucose will increase the function of affected serotonergic neurons in dogs.
The health status of the dog. If the dog’s health deteriorates, the symptoms become severe.
The environment of the dog. The environment of the dog influences the expression of the disease. Stressful conditions have the potential to modify the symptoms of Scottie Cramp.
Scottish Terrier Health Disorder Treatment
Treatment of Scottish Terrier cramps is not necessary, but in some severe cases it would be treated with vitamin E, diazepam and Prozac.
Vitamin E; Reduces the probability of an episode occurring. Doses as low as 70 IU/kg are effective in reducing cramping behavior, although they are not recommended for long-term treatment. Vitamin E at doses greater than 125 IU/kg given once daily has been found to be effective in shifting the threshold for symptom onset.
Diazepam at a dose of between 0.5 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg reduces symptoms of Scottie Cramp in acute episodes, and given chronically, diazepam reduces recurring problems.