Dyskinesia is a neurological condition characterized by muscle spasms and involuntary muscle contractions.
PIGN
Autosomal recessive
Affected dogs will present with muscle spasms and involuntary muscle contractions, which leads to repetitive and/or twisting motions. These last a few minutes to a few hours, but can randomly occur as often as 10 times a day. Spasms and contractions can be triggered by excitement or other environmental factors. Signs typically worsen with age.
A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Neurological tests, including imaging, may be required for a definitive diagnosis. Genetic testing is necessary to determine an underlying genetic cause.
Kolicheski AL, Johnson GS, Mhlanga-Mutangadura T, Taylor JF, Schnabel RD, Kinoshita T, Murakami Y, O'Brien DP. A homozygous PIGN missense mutation in Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers with a canine paroxysmal dyskinesia. Neurogenetics. 2017 Jan;18(1):39-47. doi: 10.1007/s10048-016-0502-4. Epub 2016 Nov 28. PMID: 27891564; PMCID: PMC5243907.
Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.
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