Dogs with shaker syndrome develop rhythmic tremors that may affect the whole body or just the head, but for the most part they act completely normally.
Although the condition is often treatable and many dogs improve quickly with medication, any new tremors or tremors should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out the presence of toxins, infections, seizures, or other neurological problems.
Small breed dogs, especially white breeds like Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, and Poodles, are most affected, although dogs of any breed or size can develop shaker syndrome.
Tremors often worsen with excitement or activity and improve during rest or sleep.
Fortunately, with prompt veterinary care and treatment, many dogs experience significant improvement within one to two weeks.
Key takeaways
- Shaker syndrome in dogs causes rhythmic tremors that usually affect the entire body or head, most commonly in small breed dogs, although dogs of any size or color can develop this condition.
- Furthermore, most dogs with shaker syndrome act normally, but any new tremors should be promptly evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out the presence of toxins, infections, or other neurological problems.
- Shaker syndrome is usually treated with steroids such as prednisone, and many dogs improve within one to two weeks, although some may require long-term management.
Summary
Shaker syndrome in dogs causes tremors. The tremors often affect the whole body and feel like rhythmic tremors. They can also be insulated only at the head level.
Tremors may be worse when dogs are excited or exercising.
Aside from tremors, dogs with shaker syndrome behave normally. They generally continue to eat, drink, play, and go to the bathroom like a typical dog.
Although shaker syndrome is not Considered a medical emergency, several toxins can cause tremors that may look similar.
If your dog develops new tremors, he should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Tremors in dogs are considered a medical emergency if there is possible exposure to toxins or if they are not acting normally.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of shaker syndrome in dogs include:
Causes
Shaker syndrome in dogs is considered idiopathic, meaning we don't know exactly what causes it.
Because this disease responds to steroid treatment, it is assumed to be an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks its own cells.
Historically, small breed white dogs, such as Maltese, Poodles and West Highland White Terriers, were primarily affected by shaker syndrome.
We now know that shaker syndrome can affect any dog ​​of any color or size, but it is much more common in small breed dogs weighing less than 30 pounds.
Dogs usually develop signs when they are young adults, often younger than 2 years old.
Diagnosis
Shaker syndrome is usually diagnosed by excluding other conditions.
Your veterinarian will begin with a complete physical exam. They will likely want to perform blood tests, urine tests, and x-rays to rule out other common causes of tremors.
Although this may be sufficient to diagnose many little patients with white shaker, a referral to a veterinary neurologist is sometimes recommended.
This is more common when a veterinarian is concerned about bacterial or viral encephalitis, a disease involving inflammation of the brain.
The neurologist may recommend the following tests:
It is helpful to videotape tremor episodes to show your veterinarian in case your puppy does not exhibit them during the visit.
Let your veterinarian know if you notice a pattern as to when the tremors occur.
Treatment
Shaker syndrome in dogs can be cured in some dogs and managed long-term in others. Some dogs will undergo treatment and then be weaned off medications. Others may need long-term medication to prevent tremor episodes.
Fortunately, affected dogs generally respond well to treatment, with the tremors often disappearing completely within a week or two after starting treatment.
Shaker syndrome is treated with steroids, most commonly prednisone.
Sometimes patients who do not respond well to treatment may need additional immunosuppressive medications, such as mycophenolate.
Recovery and management
Recovery from shaker syndrome in dogs usually takes a week or two before the tremors disappear.
Once the tremors subside, your veterinarian will likely reduce the prednisone to the lowest effective dose over time. Some dogs may stop taking steroids altogether. If their symptoms return, they can be put back there.
Prednisone usually causes an increase in alcohol consumption, urination, and appetite.
Some pet parents find pee pads helpful in preventing accidents when their pup takes a high dose.
These side effects should decrease as your dog's dose is reduced.
Slow eating can also be helpful to avoid overeating during treatment.
If you're worried about missing an episode of tremors because they've become less frequent, a collared bell (like Coastal Pet Products' round dog bells) can help you hear them from another room.
Prevention
Since the underlying cause of Shaker syndrome in dogs is believed to be an autoimmune disease, often linked to genetics, there is no reliable way to prevent Shaker syndrome in dogs.
Avoid breeding dogs with shaker syndrome.
FAQs About Shaker Syndrome in Dogs
Is shaker syndrome fatal?
Shaker syndrome is not considered fatal in dogs. It often responds well to treatment.
