Episodic Hypertonicity (Scotty Cramp)
Episodic hypertonicity is characterized by paroxysms of muscular hypertonicity, usually precipitated by excitement or exercise. The disease is believed to be inherited as a recessive trait. The underlying mechanism for these episodes is thought to be the result of decreased central serotonin effects.
Age of Onset: Less than 2 years of age (6 weeks to 18 months)
Sex Predisposition: Female dogs are slightly more affected than males
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs are often intermittent and non-progressive. Episodes of hypertonicity are often triggered by excitement, stress, and exercise. Dogs typically do not lose consciousness during episodes and signs resolve within 10 minutes. Between episodes dogs are neurologically normal.
Clinical signs are often intermittent and non-progressive. Episodes of hypertonicity are often triggered by excitement, stress, and exercise. Dogs typically do not lose consciousness during episodes and signs resolve within 10 minutes. Between episodes dogs are neurologically normal.
Clinical Signs:
Movement
Generalized spasticity or hindlimb spasticity
Abduction of the thoracic limbs
Progressive arching of the lumbar spine and lowering of the neck (kyphotic posture)
Goose-stepping gait
Hypertonicity of all limbs
Hip flexion
Falling and curling into a ball
Ventroflexion of the tail
Cranial Nerves
Facial muscle contraction
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Apnea during episodes
Movement
Generalized spasticity or hindlimb spasticity
Abduction of the thoracic limbs
Progressive arching of the lumbar spine and lowering of the neck (kyphotic posture)
Goose-stepping gait
Hypertonicity of all limbs
Hip flexion
Falling and curling into a ball
Ventroflexion of the tail
Cranial Nerves
Facial muscle contraction
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Apnea during episodes
Diffuse neuromuscular
Unknown
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