Gluten serological testing in various dog breeds with paroxysmal dyskinesia

Abstract

BackgroundParoxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia is a subtype of movement disorder classified as canine paroxysmal dyskinesia (cPD), which until now has only been described in Border Terriers (BT).ObjectivesOur aim was to report cPD with positive gluten serology in dog breeds other than BT.AnimalsThirty-one client-owned dogs with suspected cPD were examined in this study.MethodsThe hospital records of the dogs where the serum was tested for modified gliadin peptide immunoglobulin G (gliadin IgG) and tissue transglutaminase-2 immunoglobulin A (transglutaminase-2 IgA) were studied. A total of 31 dogs were presented to the clinic with cPD. A work-up consistent with Tier 1 or Tier 2 confidence levels for canine epilepsy was undertaken in all dogs. The dogs' diets and episode descriptions or videos in 16/31 cases were additionally studied. A follow-up was held to inquire about the dogs' wellbeing and response to the diet changes.ResultsFourteen of the 31 dogs tested positive for gluten sensitivity with either gliadin IgG or transglutaminase-2 IgA or both ratios elevated. In seven dogs, serology was classified as questionable with gliadin IgG or transglutaminase ratios mildly elevated. Ten dogs tested negative. According to the owners' reports, five of the dogs that tested positive had no more episodes after changing to a strictly gluten-free diet, with one of the dogs relapsing twice after being fed treats containing gluten. Three dogs had a reduction in episode frequency of >50%, and two dogs had shorter and less intense episodes.ConclusionA considerable subset of dog breeds presented for presumed cPD showed laboratory signs of gluten sensitivity and responded to a gluten-free diet.

Fly-catching syndrome responsive to a gluten-free diet in a French Bulldog

“…The term PD refers to episodes characterized by involuntary movements, such as contraction of muscle groups or postural changes, without altered consciousness or autonomic signs. 4 A specific glutensensitive form of PD associated to gastrointestinal signs and borborygmi has been described in Border Terriers. 5 In particular, Lowrie et al 5 investigated for the first time the use of serological testing of antibodies against AG IgG and ATG-2 IgA in Border Terriers with canine epileptoid cramping syndrome, a peculiar paroxysmal movement disorder described in this breed.…”

“…Affected Border Terriers showed episodes characterized by tremors, dystonia, difficulties walking, and sometimes also air licking, excessive stretching of the body, or rigidity of the 4 limbs. 5 A recent study 4 described the serological testing of AG IgG and ATG-2 IgA in dogs with suspected PD to describe paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia in dog breeds other than Border Terriers. Serum antibodies resulted positive in almost half (14/31) of the dogs included in this study, with the majority of cases experiencing either a resolution or a reduced frequency of PD episodes after the introduction of a gluten-free diet.…”

Dystonic head tremor in paroxysmal dyskinesia in 17 dogs (2021–2023)

“…13 In a recent retrospective study of 31 dogs with PD, head tremors, head bobbing and whole body or limb tremors were reported in 11%, 6% and 39% of the population, respectively. 14 The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of DHT in a population of dogs diagnosed with PD and describe its clinical features.…”

“…More specifically, isolated head but also limb or generalised tremors have been reported briefly in paroxysmal non‐kinesigenic dyskinesia in Toy Poodles, 7 Chinook dogs, 8 Labrador Retrievers 9 and Maltese dogs, 10 in paroxysmal gluten‐sensitive dyskinesia in Border Terriers 11 and in paroxysmal exertional dyskinesia in Shetland sheepdogs 12 and Welsh Terriers 13 . In a recent retrospective study of 31 dogs with PD, head tremors, head bobbing and whole body or limb tremors were reported in 11%, 6% and 39% of the population, respectively 14 . The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of DHT in a population of dogs diagnosed with PD and describe its clinical features.…”

Very-Low-Frequency Spike–Wave Complex Partial Motor Seizure Mimicking Canine Idiopathic Head Tremor Syndrome in a Dog

“…Due to its episodic occurrence, a normal physical and neurological status between the episodes, negative cerebrospinal fluid and advanced imaging examination, a partial epileptic seizure may be considered [ 4 , 7 ] although the efficiency of antiepileptic drugs in treating the condition is questionable. A variety of antiepileptic drugs was advanced as a potential treatment for head tremors.…”