Paradoxical Pseudomyotonia is a muscular disorder. The dog will experience exercise-induced generalised myotonic-like episodes which can vary in severity – muscles remain stiff and take longer to relax after voluntary contraction.
During an episode dogs experience a sudden onset of muscle stiffness, causing their legs to stiffen straight and may also cause them to fall over, they can appear to get stuck or freeze while climbing or jumping over something small. Signs of the condition are generally first seen between three months and 2 years of age. Episodes vary in frequency but can occur up to 15 times per day in some cases. They usually last for a few minutes and resolve with rest. Severity and frequency tend to remain stable or decrease with age, and episodes can be decreased or eliminated by avoiding triggers such as strenuous exercise and extreme weather. Affected animals experience discomfort and dysfunction but their life expectancy is not affected.
DNA testing is available to identify clear, carrier and affected dogs.
Gene Tested : SLC7A10