I have heard of something like this before. I looked it up and this is what I found:
SHAKER DOG SYNDROME (related terms: "little white shakers" syndrome, idiopathic tremor syndrome, acquired tremor in young adult dogs) .
Dogs that have this disease are subject to tremors that affect their entire body. Stress, handling, and excitement seem to worsen the condition. Occasionally, other neurological abnormalities are seen in association with this condition such as head tilts, limb weakness and seizures.
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What is shaker dog syndrome?
This disorder develops suddenly in young adult, primarily small white dogs, causing a diffuse tremor of the entire body. The cause is unknown although there is speculation that there may be a generalized neurotransmitter deficiency due to an
autoimmune reaction.
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What breeds are affected by shaker dog syndrome?
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
This syndrome is seen in small breed, mostly white dogs especially the Maltese, and West Highland white terrier White Shaker Dog Syndrome most commonly is seen in such breeds as West Highland White Terriers, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers,
Australian Silky Terriers, Poodle, Beagle and Miniature Pinschers. This disorder usually develops suddenly in young adult dogs (6 months to 3 years of age). The signs become progressively worse over 1 to 3 days and then remain the same until treatment is begun. There is an all-over tremor that can range from mild to so severe that the dog may have difficulty walking. This is called an intention tremor, meaning that it is worse when the animal is excited or tries to perform a specific action (such as
eat, walk towards an object, etc). The tremor decreases or disappears when the dog is relaxed or at rest. Commonly there are rapid, random eye movements as well.
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The condition is not painful and your dog's personality is unaffected. Treatment is generally effective; some dogs require medication for life to control the tremors.
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How is shaker dog syndrome diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will diagnose this condition based on the clinical signs and the fact that tests for other possible causes of these signs show no abnormalities. Intention tremors may be mild to severe, affecting all 4 limbs and the head.
How is shaker dog syndrome treated? Most dogs recover completely with early treatment with corticosteroids and/or benzodiazepines. Your veterinarian
will start your dog at a relatively high dose which is gradually decreased over several weeks. Clinical signs usually begin to improve within a few days of starting treatment, but If treatment is stopped too early the signs usually return. Some dogs may have to remain on a low dosage on alternate days for life, so as to remain free of signs of the disorder. Inheritance mode: unknown
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