Scotty Cramp Disease in Scottish Terriers
Abstract
Serotonin plays an important role in humans. Serotonin plays an important role in neurotransmission and is also considered as a hormone. The hormone has a really great role in mood, emotion, appetite and digestion. Like humans, serotonin is also having an important role in dogs too. But its deficiency in both that is in humans as well as in dogs can cause many conditions. Serotonin deficiency in dogs is a very serious condition and is specific to a breed of dogs that is Scottish Terriers. This article is all about a condition named Scotty cramp which is the result of serotonin deficiency and is generally reported in the Scottish terriers breed of dogs. Along with explaining the condition in detail, the article also has information about Ayurvedic medicine that can be given to dogs with Scotty cramps.
Introduction
Serotonin in animals plays a very important role as a neurotransmitter. It regulates heart and lung functioning, behaviour, pain awareness, body temperature, appetite and movement as well. It is also responsible for sleep, learning and memory along with sex and motor biological rhythms. Serotonin deficiency in dogs is an autosomal recessive disorder which is inherited. The deficiency gives rise to a condition which is called Scotty cramp and it runs in Scottish Terriers breed. This can happen in almost all the age groups of Scottish Terriers but is mainly seen in puppies and young dogs. Presently there is genetic testing available for this condition. Now, let’s get to know this condition in detail.
History of Scotty cramp disease
The disease was described by Klavenbrek in 1942 in a book which was entitled “ Scottish terriers. The terrier is normal at rest, but when the terrier starts to exercise or gets excited the signs of this disorder appear. Some of the dogs may present with winging and slight abduction of the forelimbs. In other cases, arching of their lumbar spine and over-flexing of their rear legs while they are walking.
Causes of Scotty cramp disease
The causes of this disease as mentioned above, are genetic or the condition runs in families of dogs. The Scotty cramp condition is termed an autosomal recessive disorder which means in this case the parents are not generally affected as they have one normal and one recessive gene. But by both of the parents the gene is passed on to the child and both of the genes are mutated+recessive.
Symptoms of Scotty cramp disease
- Winging and abduction of dog’s forelimbs (Abduction is drawing away from the median axis)
- Arching of the lumbar spine
- Over flexion of rear legs
- Goose stepping gait
- Somersault and fall
- Bunny hopping
- Downward flexed tail
- Inability to walk
- The head is overextended while the nose is pointed toward the ground
- Dog frequently curls up into a ball and breathing may appear to cease
- After all, above the dog will slowly recover and become normal
The episode of Scotty cramp can last up to 30 minutes and generally, the behaviour starts after a particular activity in which they are engaged or after a particular stress level.
Diagnosis of Scotty cramp disease
The veterinary doctor usually performs certain examinations like physical examinations, blood tests, and urine tests. After all this, the complete health of the dog is analysed and treatment is started.
Prevalence of Scotty cramp disease
●The prevalence of Scotty cramp disease is more in female dogs than male
dogs.
● Most of the dogs lie in the age group ranging from 1-18 months of age.
Treatment of Scotty cramp disease
● When we talk about the treatment of Scotty cramps then the most relieving
thing is that it does not require treatment always. But if with time the
prognosis is not good then some drugs can be given to enhance the
serotonin levels.
● Owner is advised to avoid activities or behaviour that trigger the
condition.
● Muscle relaxants and sedatives are also prescribed.
The Ayurvedic aspect of Scotty cramp disease
Though the situation is related to genes directly, still it has the involvement of dosha as well. All of this explains the involvement of vata dosha and it can also be successfully related to bija dushti mentioned in Ayurveda. Beeja dushti can be due to many reasons.
Though, the Scotty cramp can be successfully managed using Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs have the potency to release the required amounts of serotonin in the body. Thus, managing symptoms effectively and also keeping the dog active instead of becoming lazy and dizzy.
Herbal formulations for Scotty Cramp disease by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is an Ayurvedic company which deals with the preparation or manufacturing of herbal formulations. These formulations are prepared using potent herbs. Their extracts are really effective in managing many conditions including Scotty cramps disease in dogs. These formulations or products prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers etc. These medications are potent in supporting the recovery of the dog’s body from this condition and hence give positive noticeable results. The formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of Scotty cramps disease in dogs are as follows:
- Neuro plan syrup
- Brahmi capsules
- Ashwagandha capsules
- Vrihat vatchintamani ras
Product Description
1. Neuro plan syrup
Neuro plan is a very effective neural system supporter and is prepared using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and pippali (Piper longum). It helps in relieving any kind of discomfort and relaxes your mind which results in smooth neural transmission. The ingredients of this formulation have a very great effect on the brain as well as on serotonin secretion. As the serotonin levels normalise the frequency of attacks reduces and if the attacks persist then the frequency and duration are very reduced.
Dosage: 10ml twice daily with meals.
2. Brahmi capsules
Brahmi capsule is prepared using standardised extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These capsules are totally vegetarian and are totally standardised. Brahmi is also known to have a very calming and relaxing effect on the brain in humans and dogs as well. Once the brain is in a calm state it will definitely help in reducing frequent attacks of cramps. Moreover, it also helps with walking difficulties that may persist when a dog is active. The herb stimulates brain cells and increases serotonin secretion. It also increases physical stamina and is best for the pacification of vata dosha.
Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with meals
3. Ashwagandha capsules
The Ashwagandha capsules are prepared using a standardised extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It helps in improving the body’s capacity to maintain physical effort without triggering Scotty attacks. It works by decreasing weakness and strengthening muscles in this condition. The Formulation is effective for managing fatigue, weakness in muscles, and body pain and strengthens all over the body. With increasing age, the capsules potentially increase the physical effects and have an effect on the immune system as well. Ashwagandha has a steroidal effect so in this case it can help in suppressing the attacks even in presence of triggers. The ashwagandha is having its effect on tridosha and effectively pacifies vata dosha.
Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with meals
4. Vrihat vatchintamani ras
Vrihat vatchintamani ras, a classical formulation which has ingredients like which is prepared with Swarna Bhasma (calx of gold), Rajata Bhasma (calx of silver), Abhraka Bhasma (calx of mica), Loha Bhasma (calx of iron), Pravala Bhasma (calx of coral), Mukta Bhasma (calx of pearl) and Suta Bhasma (calx of a compound of purified mercury and sulphur). Vatchintamani ras helps in proper neural transmission and is also responsible for decreasing the factor, that is vata dosha resulting in low secretion of serotonin. Overall the formulation gives fantastic results in this condition and makes sure that the frequency of spasm attacks decrease.
Dosage: One tablet twice daily with meals.
CONTACT PLANET AYURVEDA TO PROVIDE YOU THE COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040
Conclusion
The dogs are more like a family than a pet and sometimes it’s just your dog, not the family with whom you want to spend time. Taking care of your dog if it is having such a hard time is a great task and not giving up is a decision your pet obviously deserves. All of the above-mentioned medicines that can be used in this condition are totally herbal and are not having side effects. They are something from the lap of mother nature that is just prepared to make your dog’s situation better. For any query visit www.planetayurveda.com
Dr. Vikram Chauhan
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