Generalized Tremors in Dogs: 198 Cases (2003-2023)

Liatis, T; Bhatti, SFM; De Decker, S

Abstract

Background: Diseases associated with generalized tremors in dogs have not been extensively investigated in a large population of dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives: Describe semiology, tremor phenotype, and diseases associated with generalized tremors in dogs, and identify clinical features that could be associated with the underlying disease. Animals: A total of 198 dogs. Methods: Retrospective, single-center study of dogs with generalized tremors and a final or presumptive diagnosis between January 2003 and December 2023. Results: The most common diseases associated with generalized tremors in dogs were intoxication (91/198; 46%), idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome (IGTS; 49/198; 24.7%), hypocalcemia (13/198; 6.6%), meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO; 9/198; 4.5%), hypoglycemia (6/198; 3%), hypercalcemia (5/198; 2.5%) and degenerative encephalopathies (5/198; 2.5%). Dogs with IGTS were females (p = 0.002), younger (p = 0.002) with an acute progressive lateralizing presentation (p < 0.001 for all three), compared to dogs with intoxication that were males (p = 0.002), young and middle-aged (p = 0.002) with a hyperacute nonprogressive symmetric presentation (p < 0.001 for all three). Behavioral changes (p = 0.01), hypersalivation (p = 0.04), abnormal mentation (p = 0.01), bilateral mydriasis (p = 0.02) or generalized hyperesthesia (p = 0.002) were common in intoxication, whereas hyporexia and vestibulocerebellar signs (p < 0.001 both) were common in IGTS. Dogs manifested only tremors in intoxication (45%) compared with IGTS (22%; p = 0.01). Improvement within 48 h from the onset of signs without corticosteroid treatment occurred exclusively in dogs with intoxication (p < 0.001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Intoxication and IGTS were the most common diseases associated with generalized tremors in dogs. Historical and clinical features may aid the clinician in adjusting their differential diagnoses and formulating a diagnostic and treatment plan.

Citation

Liatis, T., Bhatti, S., & De Decker, S. (2025). Generalized Tremors in Dogs: 198 Cases (2003-2023). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 39(3), https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.70062

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 4, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 28, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: May 9, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 9, 2025
• Print ISSN: 0891-6640
• Electronic ISSN: 1939-1676
• Publisher: Wiley Open Access
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.70062
• Keywords: corticosteroid-responsive tremor syndrome; idiopathic cerebellitis; idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome; intoxication; mycotoxicosis; white shaker disease; CLASSIFICATION; DIAGNOSIS; MUTATION; GENE