Small White Shaker Syndrome

Re: Small White Shaker Syndrome

Carolyn — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 17:06:46 GMT

Given that this is a female westie with a relatively low in-clinic HR, which responded to steroids - my mind automatically flags up Addisons disease - worth an electrolyte check?

Re: Small White Shaker Syndrome

Mark Lowrie — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 11:22:06 GMT

Hi Anthony,

White shaker syndrome tends to involve signs that are progressive over one to three days and then often they remain static until treatment is initiated or occasionally there may be spontaneous improvement some weeks/months later. It tends to occur most commonly in dogs less than 2 years. And yes, relapse can occur.

The tremors tend to be persistent rather than episodic and are quite marked - usually very distressing for the owner. All four limbs and the head are affected by these apparent intention tremors. Sometimes, these tremors are violent and the eyes may be affected. You can occasionally see a mild to moderate hypermetria and body swaying. Essentially most of these dogs have subtle cerebellar signs.

Based on the fact you mention the tremors were subtle and went away on examination I would not consider this to be white shaker syndrome. Subtle shaking in dogs is not uncommon and is obviously a relatively non-specific sign.

Re: Small White Shaker Syndrome

Thomas Johnson — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 08:33:33 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Dennison"]

Anyone ever seen a case of this?

I saw a 3y.o. FN Westie this morning for annual booster, and when the dog got home she was unsettled, then became quite lethargic and uninterested in her food. She was visibly shaking. The dog had a similar episode in 2012 2 weeks after it's booster (so not likely that the episodes are related to the vaccination) but was slightly worse, progressing to small seizures. bloods showed mild dehydration but nothing abnormal. She responded well to steroids. She has had tremors since then, mainly after travelling.

I saw the dog this afternoon, slight trembling but this resolved as soon as I started my clinical exam, which was normal. HR 76bpm, temp 38.6degC. NAD on neuro exam also. By the end of the consult the dog seemed fine.

Could this be 'shaker syndrome'? Dr. Google gives out very little information on the topic. It does seem to flare up in periods of stress, though a heart rate of 76 seems low for a stressed dog? I asked the owner about GI disturbances, and she does have a sensitive stomach (V+/D+ on anything except normal food).

Would it be worth possibly checking for Addisons?

[/quote]

I saw a WHWT with small white shaker syndrome in my final year at Cambridge, it came in to the RSPCA clinic and was then see by one of the neurologists at the vet school. It was eleven years ago so I can't remember exactly how it presented, and I don't think we did a lot of further investigation, but it sounds similar to your case and it responded well to steroids.