Dystonic head tremor in paroxysmal dyskinesia in 17 dogs (2021-2023)

Dystonia is a common component of the movement disorder paroxysmal dyskinesia (PD) in dogs. However, the incidence of dystonic head tremor (DHT) in these dogs has not previously been evaluated.

The medical records of dogs presenting with PD between 2021 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed, and those with available video footage and the presence of a head tremor were selected for further analysis.

Seventeen of the 39 (43.6%) dogs diagnosed with PD that had video footage available manifested DHT. Poodle or Poodle-cross was the most commonly affected breed (7/17). DHTs were described as fine irregular head tremors accompanied by cervical dystonia (17/17), truncal (11/17) or head (10/17) sway, shifting limb (10/17) or single limb (6/17) dystonia, freezing (8/17), ataxia (6/17), ptyalism (5/17), falling (5/17), kyphosis (4/17) and prayer posture (4/17). Neurological examination and advanced imaging, when available, were within normal limits.

The limitations of the study include its retrospective nature, the lack of video recordings for all PD patients and the lack of electrophysiological evaluation of tremors and electroencephalography.

DHT exists in dogs with PD; it has characteristic features, and it should be considered in differential diagnoses for dogs with head tremors.