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Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) in Dogs
What is Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus)?
Myoclonus, or a myoclonic seizure, is an uncommon form of seizure. The more common form of seizure is known as a tonic-clonic seizure, previously known as a grand mal seizure. This type of seizure has a two-step process; the first stage is loss of consciousness, then the body jerks rhythmically for several minutes. With a myoclonic seizure, the first step is skipped and the jerking motions will be exhibited without loss of consciousness. This may affect the whole body or it may target only specific muscle groups.
Myoclonus is an uncommon seizure disorder characterized by sudden jerking motions in which the animal retains consciousness during the seizure.
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Symptoms of Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) in Dogs
The myoclonic seizure will present differently than a typical tonic-clonic seizure. You may see any or all of the following signs if your pet is experiencing myoclonus. The myoclonic seizures are often triggered by flashing lights and sudden sights or sounds that may startle the canine.
- Constant movement of a specific group of muscles
- High-pitched vocalization
- Involuntary twitching of limbs
- Jerking of the head backward
- Rapid shuttering of head
- Sudden jerking movement
- Uncontrolled rhythmic “bouncing”
Types
There are several disorders and diseases that can cause myoclonic seizures, or that have myoclonus as a symptom. Two of the most common disorders that cause myoclonus in dogs are canine distemper and Lafora’s disease.
Canine Distemper
- A highly contagious viral disease that can be found worldwide
- Distemper is often fatal, and those dogs that survive often develop lifelong neurologic disorders, including the frequent development of myoclonic seizures
Lafora’s disease
- A late-onset form of epilepsy that is characterized by myoclonus
- Some dogs with Lafora’s disease will develop tonic-clonic seizures later on
- Recent research indicates that problems with blood sugar regulation may play a role in the development of Lafora’s
Causes of Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) in Dogs
Dogs acquire the distemper virus from contact with an infected animal. Distemper can affect not only canines, but also the bear, weasel, elephant and primate families. Domestic dogs are considered to be the reservoir species for this highly contagious virus, and can continue shedding the virus for several months after initial infection. Although distemper induced myoclonus may start during or shortly after the disease, it is also common for neurologic disorders to be delayed for weeks or even months.
Lafora’s disease is caused by a genetic mutation that can occur in any breed and either gender. Signs of this disorder usually don’t develop until the dog reaches somewhere over seven years old, and miniature wire-haired dachshunds, basset hounds, and beagles are predisposed to developing this unusual form of epilepsy. Myoclonic seizures may be induced by toxins, infections, or trauma to the brain or spinal cord as well, albeit more rarely.
Diagnosis of Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) in Dogs
Diagnosing the seizures themselves as myoclonic can be done by simple observation, however diagnosing the underlying cause of the disorder can be more complicated.
Your veterinarian will get a full history of your pet from you, including when the symptoms began and under what circumstances. Your dog will also undergo a thorough physical exam, and tests will be run to analyze blood chemistry and check for imbalances or toxins in the system. A neurologic examination may be taken as part of the physical. X-rays may be examined to screen for tumors, and a sample of the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid may also be analyzed.
Depending on the situation, your veterinarian may recommend additional imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI or a nerve conduction study. If Lafora’s disease is suspected, tests will be run to determine if the mutation is present and a biopsy of the liver, muscle or nerve will reveal if any Lafora bodies can be identified. The liver is the most reliable of the biopsy sites for Lafora’s disease.
Treatment of Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) in Dogs
Any underlying conditions, such as toxins or active infections, will need to be addressed either before or concurrently to addressing the myoclonus itself. Once this has been completed, your veterinarian will assess the severity of the condition to determine what steps will need to occur next.
If the seizures are mild and infrequent further treatment may not be required. If the disorder becomes more difficult to live with antiepileptic medications such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide can be prescribed to manage the symptoms. Although these medications are often quite effective, they can have a degenerative effect on the liver over time. Some dogs may respond positively to immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids as well. The strain of the disorder in the beagle breed is particularly resistant to drug therapy.
Research shows a possible connection between the severity of Lafora’s disease and the amount of simple carbohydrates in the diet. Diets lower in simple carbohydrates may slow the progression of the disorder and starchy or sugary treats may exacerbate the symptoms.
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Recovery of Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) in Dogs
Seizures are often made more frequent and severe if the patient is under stress, so removing some of the stressors in your pet’s life may reduce the number of attacks. Pheromone sprays and diffusers may be recommended to further reduce their stress levels. Having your dog don sunglasses designed for canines may also reduce the number and severity of the episodes when walking in sunlight. Although myoclonus is usually not curable, it is often manageable with medication and patience. In some cases, the shaking is not medically controllable, and if the patient’s quality of life is severely adversely impacted, euthanasia may be recommended.
Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) Average Cost
From 46 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,500
Average Cost
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Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit bull
nike
28 Months
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Severe Head Jerking
I Have Pure Bred Pitbull who just turned 2. All of a sudden she has developed tic like head movements out of the blue. She lays down 4 seconds later her head jerks back or 2 the side like she looking for a fly. I used to be able to lie with her but since shes been twitching I cant shell keep me up all night. I took her to vet she spent all day with her vet did bloodwork all if fine she said she was all normal. I showed her videos of what it looks like she said maybe seizures. Showed another Dr. he doesnt think it serizures. She will not demonstrait this behavior until she is at home lying down or comfortable. She she lives her puppy life and youll never know she has an issue. I can only video it to prove it happens. When i do lie with her u can tell its gotta be neuroligical vet suggested muscle relaxers for 2 days to see where we get. Please help
Sept. 2, 2018
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Lab mix
Bella
3 Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Muscle Twitching
My adopted dog was diagnosed with distemper when she was 6 months old. She went through the respiratory, mucosal and GI phases and had to be hospitalized for a couple days, but she made it through. She completely skipped the neurological phase. It's been 3 years, she is as healthy as can be and 2 nights ago she woke me up with body twitching (like really large hiccups). She was completely aware of them, not in pain, but was confused and uncomfortable. I took her outside and they stopped but once she laid back down, they started up again. They lasted for about 2 hours. Last night, she started them again and they lasted for a couple hours. Could this possibly be the neuro side of distemper finally popping up? I was hoping we were completely over it. I took her to our vet and they think it is possible but believe we should wait and see what happens because she is acting normal otherwise and healthy... Just interested in other opinions.
Aug. 14, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
I'm sorry that Bella is having that problem. It is unlikely that 3 years later, the neurologic side effects of Distemper would be happening, but it isn't impossible. I would tend to agree with your veterinarian and see what happens as long as she is actin normally and doing well otherwise.
Aug. 15, 2018
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Muscle Contraction Disease (Myoclonus) Average Cost
From 46 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,500
Average Cost
$3,000
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