Paroxysmal Dyskinesia, PxD

Affected dogs may have dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions) and muscle spasms multiple times a day. However, the affected dog will appear clinically normal between episodes.

Signs typically first appear in young adults.

Genetic testing, blood work, neurological tests, and clinical signs can be used to diagnose this condition.

There is no treatment for this condition, however, anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed. These may or may not improve clinical signs.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s PxD result so you can plan appropriate monitoring and care.

Episodes are often triggered by excitement, stress, or sudden activity, so keeping a calm and predictable routine may help reduce their frequency.

Record details about any episodes, including timing, duration, and possible triggers, to share with your vet.

Most dogs with PxD remain healthy and active, and their episodes can often be managed with simple lifestyle adjustments.

This mutation was first described in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

Penetrance: This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.

Gene

PIGN

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Neuromuscular

Citations

1. Kolicheski et al 2017

• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier