Scottie Cramp Disorder in the Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, also known as Scotty, is a small framed dog with a tough fur coat and usually offers a charming loving personality.
However, this Scottie breed is prone to some hereditary health disorders, with one of the leading disorders known as Scottie Cramp. This is a neurological movement disorder that affects the Scottish Terrier dog breed.
What are the causes of Scottie Cramp?
This health problem for Scotty is caused by a disorder in serotonin metabolism, causing an excess or deficiency of available serotonin. It is inherited as a recessive trait and usually occurs in young Scottish Terrier puppies. This condition does not progress as the dog grows, but will remain at the original level of severity throughout the dog’s life. Scotties are still able to live healthy long lives because the disorder is not a progressive disease.
It is recommended not to breed with Scottish cats exhibiting this condition.
Symptoms of Scotty Cramps
This disorder will mostly occur in young Scottish Terrier puppies. Scotti Cramp symptoms often appear soon after a stressful situation, a lot of excitement, or after a regular exercise routine. Below are a few symptoms that may be signs that your Scottish Terrier is suffering from Scotty Cramp.
- Stiff hind legs / seizure
- Awkward movements
- Lack of air
- Puppy collapse
- Gasping for air
- Muscle contractions
- Spinal curvature
An episode can last up to 30 minutes with varying levels of severity. Many Scottish Terrier owners note that they have only seen one attack in their dog. However, a more stressful or active environment offers a greater potential for occurrence.
Scottie Cramp causes neurological disorders in the Scottie breed similar to cerebellar abiotrophy (CA). In most situations where Scotty’s symptoms are persistent 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 onset of Scottie Cramp symptoms by altering their activity
Nutritional factors. These factors are important in determining the severity of a dog’s symptoms. Increasing amino acid, tryptophan and glucose administration will increase the function of serotonergic neurons affected in dogs.
The dog’s health. If the dog’s health deteriorates, the symptoms become severe.
The environment of the dog. The dog’s environment influences the manifestation of the disease. Stressful conditions have the potential to alter the symptoms of Scotty Cramp.
Treatment of Scottish Terrier Health Disorder
Treatment for Scottish Terrier cramps is not necessary, but some severe cases will be treated with vitamin E, diazepam, and Prozac.
vitamin E; Reduces the likelihood of an episode occurring. Doses as low as 70 IU/kg are effective in reducing spasms, although they are not recommended for long-term treatment. Vitamin E at doses exceeding 125IU/kg given once daily has been found to be effective in shifting the threshold for inducing symptoms.
Diazepam at a dose between 0.5 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg reduces the symptoms of Scottie Cramp in acute episodes and if given chronically, Diazepam reduces recurrent problems.
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