Scotty Cramp
Encyclopedia
Scotty Cramp is a disease in Scottish Terrier
s causing spasms and hyperflexion and hyperextension of the legs. It is caused by a disorder in serotonin
metabolism that causes a deficiency of available serotonin. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Scotty Cramp occurs in puppies and young dogs. Symptoms present after exercise or excitement and last a few minutes. A goose-stepping gait and arched spine are often seen, and the dogs may turn somersault
s as it runs. The symptoms usually resolve after ten minutes, but they may repeat several times in a day. The condition does progress as the dog ages. If the diagnosis is unsure, a dose of methysergide
can be given. In affected dogs, this will block serotonin and increase the frequence and severity of the symptoms. Diazepam
or acepromazine
is used to control the symptoms of Scotty Cramp. Vitamin E
may also be of some benefit. Because Scotty Cramp is inherited, affected dogs and their parents and siblings should not be bred.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier , popularly called the Scottie, is a breed of dog. Initially one of the highland breeds of Terrier that were grouped under the name of Skye Terrier, it is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland, the other four being the modern Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and...
s causing spasms and hyperflexion and hyperextension of the legs. It is caused by a disorder in serotonin
Serotonin
Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Biochemically derived from tryptophan, serotonin is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and in the central nervous system of animals including humans...
metabolism that causes a deficiency of available serotonin. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Scotty Cramp occurs in puppies and young dogs. Symptoms present after exercise or excitement and last a few minutes. A goose-stepping gait and arched spine are often seen, and the dogs may turn somersault
Somersault
A somersault is an acrobatic exercise in which a person does a full 360° flip, moving the feet over the head. A somersault can be performed either forwards, backwards, or sideways and can be executed in the air or on the ground...
s as it runs. The symptoms usually resolve after ten minutes, but they may repeat several times in a day. The condition does progress as the dog ages. If the diagnosis is unsure, a dose of methysergide
Methysergide
Methysergide is a prescription drug used for prophylaxis of migraine headaches and is sold under the brand names Sansert and Deseril in 2 mg dosages.-Pharmacology:Methysergide interacts with serotonin receptors...
can be given. In affected dogs, this will block serotonin and increase the frequence and severity of the symptoms. Diazepam
Diazepam
Diazepam , first marketed as Valium by Hoffmann-La Roche is a benzodiazepine drug. Diazepam is also marketed in Australia as Antenex. It is commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures including status epilepticus, muscle spasms , restless legs syndrome, alcohol withdrawal,...
or acepromazine
Acepromazine
Acepromazine or acetylpromazine is a phenothiazine derivative antipsychotic drug. It was first used in humans in the 1950s, but is now little used in humans...
is used to control the symptoms of Scotty Cramp. Vitamin E
Tocopherol
Tocopherols are a class of chemical compounds of which many have vitamin E activity. It is a series of organic compounds consisting of various methylated phenols...
may also be of some benefit. Because Scotty Cramp is inherited, affected dogs and their parents and siblings should not be bred.