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The best postural tremor described so far in veterinary medicine is the orthostatic tremor (OT) occurring in giant breed of dogs such as Great Danes, Deerhound and Newfoundland. OT causes dramatic tremors that are visible only when the animal is standing. The tremors typically begin in the lower aspects of the legs, but can also involve the muscles of the head and face. The tremors are usually first apparent at a young age (1-2 years), and are unique in that 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. OT is different from other causes of tremors in that the tremors that are characteristic of the disease completely disappear when the dog walks, runs, leans against an object, or lies down. The tremors can be totally abolished when a standing dog is lifted off of the ground. Dogs with OT appear otherwise healthy on physical examination, and generally do not have any significant abnormalities that are detectable on routine blood tests, radiographic examinations, spinal fluid analysis, and even have normal MRI examinations of their brains.
Definitive diagnosis of OT requires documentation of the characteristic tremor pattern during a conscious electromyographic (EMG) examination. Intermittent head 'bobbing' is another less understood type of postural tremor affecting the head and neck postural muscles and causes a rapid head and neck tremor. The head 'bobbing' can be in the vertical or horizontal plane and typically disappears when the dog is distracted or lay down. It can occur as an idiopathic disorder or as a consequence of structural brain disease (especially with pathology affecting the thalamus). In older dogs, benign, rapid, postural tremor may occasionally be seen in the pelvic limbs. This tremor is only present when the dog is standing and disappears during voluntary movement. The aetiology and pathogenesis of this syndrome remains unknown.
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