Scottie Cramping Disorder in the Scottish Terrier Breed

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small framed dog with a stiff fur coat and normally offers an adorable, loving personality.

This Scottie breed is however prone to certain inherited health conditions, with one of the main disorders known as Scottie Cramp. It is a neurological movement disorder that affects the Scottish Terrier dog breeds.

Which are the symptoms of Scottie Cramp?

This Scottie health problem is caused by a disorder in serotonin metabolism causing an overdose or 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 grows older but will remain at the original severity level throughout the dog’s life. The Scotties are still able to live a long, healthy life since the disorder is not a progressive disease.

It is advised not to breed with Scotties exhibiting this condition.

Symptoms of Scottie cramp

This disorder will mainly occur in young Scottish Terrier puppies. Symptoms of Scottie Cramp often appear shortly after a stressful situation, a lot of excitement, or after a regular exercise routine. Below are several symptoms that could be signs that your Scottish Terrier is suffering from Scottie Cramp.

• Stiff hind legs / cramps

• Awkward movements

• Breathless

• Puppy collapse

• Gasps for air

• Muscle contractions

• Arch of the spine

An episode can last up to 30 minutes with varying levels of severity. Many Scottish Terrier owners note that they have seen only one attack in their dog. However, more stressful or active environments offer a greater potential for occurrence.

Scottie Cramp causes neurological disturbances in the Scottie breed, much like cereballer abiotrophy (CA). In most situations where a Scottie’s symptoms are stable and show progression, the dog will be diagnosed as having cerebellar abiotrophy.

Factors affecting Scottie Cramp’s expression and severity

Scottish Terrier puppies can suppress the onset of symptoms of Scottie’s cramp by altering their activity

Nutritional factors. These factors are important in determining the severity of a dog’s symptoms. Increasing the administration of amino acid, tryptophan, and glucose will increase the function of affected serotonergic neurons in dogs.

The state of health of the dog. If the dog’s health deteriorates, the symptoms become severe.

The environment of the dog. The dog’s environment influences the expression of the disease. Stressful conditions have the potential to modify Scottie Cramp’s symptoms.

Scottish Terrier health disorder treatment

Treatment for 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 likelihood of an episode occurring. Doses as low as 70 IU / kg are effective in reducing cramps although they are not recommended for long-term treatment. Vitamin E at doses greater than 125 IU / kg administered once daily has been shown to be effective in shifting the threshold for onset of symptoms.

Diazepam at a dose of 0.5 mg / kg to 1.5 mg / kg, reduces symptoms of Scottie Cramp in acute episodes and if given chronically, diazepam reduces recurring problems.