International veterinary canine dyskinesia task force ECVN consensus statement: Terminology and classification

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Canine Movement Disorders
• Neurological Syndromes

Background:

• Movement disorders are involuntary movements without altered consciousness, affecting both humans and animals.
• Canine movement disorders encompass tremors, peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, paroxysmal dyskinesia, and dystonia.
• Canine paroxysmal dyskinesias are challenging to identify and characterize due to recurrent episodes of abnormal involuntary movements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To recommend standardized terminology for describing canine movement disorders, with a focus on paroxysmal dyskinesia.
• To propose a preliminary classification and clinical approach for reporting canine movement disorder cases.
• To establish a foundation for consistent reporting, enhancing the understanding of phenotype, genotype, and pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

• A consensus statement approach was utilized.
• Recommended categorization of movements includes hyperkinetic vs. hypokinetic, paroxysmal vs. persistent, and exercise-induced vs. non-exercise-related.
• Emphasis on detailed movement description, differentiation from other diagnoses, and determination of inherited vs. acquired etiologies.

Main Results:

• A standardized terminology for canine movement disorders is proposed.
• A structured clinical approach for case reporting is outlined.
• The statement serves as a starting point for consistent identification and characterization of canine paroxysmal dyskinesias.

Conclusions:

• Consistent reporting and terminology are crucial for advancing the understanding of canine movement disorders.
• Further research into genetic mutations will refine the classification and management of these conditions.
• This consensus aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical reporting for canine paroxysmal dyskinesias.