Movement disorder paroxysmal dyskinesia in dogs

A review article by veterinary specialist and associate professor at Utrecht University Paul Mandigers and colleagues brings together knowledge on the movement disorder paroxysmal dyskinesia (PD), which is common in dogs and looks similar to epilepsy. 

In the article, Mandigers explains what PD is and gives an overview of which forms of PD are hereditary and which are potentially hereditary. He also explains what causes could be non-hereditary and how vets can make the diagnosis.  

Cramping 

Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a complex neurological syndrome in which the dog (or cat) suddenly cramps and can no longer walk (dyskinesia). A seizure may last seconds to hours and then disappear suddenly (paroxysmal). The animal remains conscious during the attack. PD is not fatal. 

Because a seizure largely resembles epilepsy externally, it is important to distinguish the two well, both for treatment and for scientific research into manifestations and causes of PD. Until recently, the condition was relatively unknown within veterinary medicine, often leading to misdiagnosis. 

Scientific research 

Mandigers, together with colleagues, has published previous scientific papers on PD, including a description of a genetic mutation causing PD in the Dutch dog breed Markiesje and a paper on a genetic mutation causing PD in the Shetland Sheepdog. 

There is more work to come. Mandigers: ‘We are studying PD in several breeds and we also have some publications in preparation. I want to write another article on unified terminology to describe the disease and I am working on a chapter on PD for a book on veterinary medicine.’ 

Sample videos 

The article, which has been read over 11,000 times and downloaded almost 3,000 times, includes videos of the many forms of PD (download link) in more than 20 different dog breeds.