sound familiar?The tremors can be totally abolished when a standing dog is lifted off of the ground;
When a stethoscope is applied to a tremoring muscle, a sound resembling a distant helicopter rotor can be heard.
Definitive diagnosis of OT requires documentation of the characteristic tremor pattern during a conscious electromyographic (EMG) examination. EMG examinations are services offered by most veterinary neurologists.
Link to article
Link to articlePrimary Orthostatic Tremor (OT)
OT, which is characterized by a diffuse postural repetitive tremor, has recently been
recognized in Great Danes, Mastiffs, and other large and giant breeds of dogs. The
tremors typically begin in the lower aspects of the legs, but can also involve the muscles
of the head and face. In Great Danes, the tremors usually appear at 1-2 years of age,
and affected dogs often appear reluctant to lie down and demonstrate what appears to
be a constant “shivering” while standing suggestive almost of an involuntary dance.
The tremors that are characteristic of the disease completely disappear when the dog
walks, runs, leans against an object, or lies down.
Auscultation of affected muscle reveals a sound that resembles a helicopter rotor. Great
Danes with OT are typically otherwise healthy on physical examination, and generally
do not have any significant abnormalities that are detectable on routine blood tests,
radiographic examinations, CSF analysis, muscle and nerve biopsies, and even have
normal MRI examinations of their brains. Diagnosis of OT requires documentation of
the characteristic tremor pattern during a conscious EMG examination. OT appears to
be an insidiously progressive disease, but some dogs can experience prolonged
periods of clinical remission (i.e., several years) with gabapentin (10 mg/kg PO q 8-12
hrs) or phenobarbital (2 mg/kg PO q 12 hrs), or pregabalin therapy.
Link to articleThe identification of spontaneous OT in dogs provides a unique research opportunity that may be beneficial to our understanding of the cause and eventual treatment of this disease in people and dogs. We are therefore appealing for veterinarians to contact us if they suspect OT in a giant breed dog.
If you suspect a case of OT and would like to discuss it please contact Davies Veterinary Specialists (Laurent Garosi), Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Herts SG5 3HR, UK, e-mail: lsg@vetspecialists.co.uk, or Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (John Rossmeisl), VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060-0442, USA, e-mail: jrossmei@vt.edu
this is not new information but I thought this might be helpful to owners of Great Danes and other breeds that may be searching and find this website