By 
The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small dog framed in a rough fur coat, and typically offers a lovable and loving personality.
However, this Scottish breed is prone to some inherited health disorders, with one of the main disorders known as Scottie Cramp. This is a neurological movement disorder that affects Scottish Terrier dog breeds.
What are the causes of Scottish cramp?
This Scottie health problem is caused by a disorder in serotonin metabolism that causes an overdose or a shortage of available serotonin. It is inherited as a recessive trait and normally occurs in young Scottish Terrier puppies. This condition does not progress as the dog grows, but will remain at the original severity level throughout the dog’s life. Scots are still able to live long and healthy lives, as the disorder is not a progressive disease.
It is advisable not to breed with Scots with this condition.
Scottish cramp symptoms
This disorder will occur mainly in young Scottish Terrier puppies. Scottie Cramp symptoms usually appear shortly after a stressful situation, a lot of excitement, or after a regular exercise routine. Below are several symptoms that could be signs that your Scottish Terrier is suffering from Scottish Cramp.
-
Stiff / cramping hind legs
-
Awkward movements
-
Difficulty breathing
-
Puppy collapse
-
Gasps for air
-
Muscle contractions
-
Arching of the spine
An episode can last up to 30 minutes with changes in severity levels. Many Scottish Terrier owners note seeing only one attack on their dog. However, the most stressful or active environments offer a greater potential for occurrence.
Scottie Cramp causes neurological disorders in Scottie Breed, as does cereballer abiotrophy (CA). In most situations where a Scotch’s symptoms are constant and show progression, the dog will be diagnosed as having cerebellar abiotrophy.
Factors Affecting the Expression and Severity of Scottie Cramp
Scottish Terrier puppies can suppress the onset of Scottie Cramp symptoms by modifying their activity.
Nutritional factors. These factors are important in determining the severity of the dog’s symptoms. Increased administration of an amino acid, tryptophan, and glucose will increase the function of affected serotonergic neurons in dogs.
The state of health of the dog. If the dog’s health deteriorates, the symptoms are aggravated.
The dog’s environment. The dog’s environment influences the expression of the disease. Stressful conditions have the potential to modify Scottie Cramp symptoms.
Scottish Terrier Health Disorder Treatment
Treatment of Scottish Terrier cramps is not necessary, but in some severe cases it would be treated with vitamin E, diazepam, and Prozac.
Vitamin E; Reduce the likelihood of an episode occurring. Doses as low as 70 IU / kg are effective in reducing cramping behavior, although they are not recommended for long-term treatment. Vitamin E in doses greater than 125 IU / kg administered once a day has been found to be effective in moving the threshold for triggering symptoms.
Diazepam in a dose between 0.5 mg / kg and 1.5 mg / kg, reduces Scottie Cramp symptoms in acute episodes and, if administered chronically, diazepam reduces recurrent problems.