Veterinarian, post graduate doctoral student University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
Abstract:
Background: Paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia is a subtype of movement disorders classified as canine paroxysmal dyskinesia (cPD) which until now has only been diagnosed in Border Terriers (BT). Dogs show elevated levels of Anti-gliadin and transglutaminase Immunoglobulins.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to report cPD with positive gluten serology in dog breeds other than BT. Animals: Thirty-one client owned dogs with suspected cPD.
Methods: Dogs’ hospital records in which serum was tested for anti-gliadin and transglutaminase immunoglobulins were retrospectively assessed. Thirty-one dogs showing episodes characteristics for cPD and having undergone a work-up consistent with Tier 1 or Tier 2 confidence level for canine epilepsy were analyzed. A follow-up was held to inquire on the dogs’ wellbeing and response to diet change.
Results: Fourteen dogs were tested positive for gluten-sensitivity with antibodies against gliadin or transglutaminase being elevated. In seven dogs, serology was considered questionable being mildly elevated and ten dogs tested negative for the aforementioned antibodies. According to the owners’ reports five of the positive dogs had no further episodes after feeding a strictly gluten free diet, with one of the dogs relapsing twice after being fed gluten. Three dogs had a reduction in episode frequency of >50% and two dogs showed shorter and less intense episodes. Conclusion and clinical importance: A considerable subset of various dog breeds with presumed cPD showed laboratory signs of gluten sensitivity, as well as response to gluten-free diets. Clinicians presented with cPD cases should consider gluten sensitive cPD, as a possible underlying cause.
