Idiopathic and structural episodic nonintentional head tremor in dogs: 100 cases (2004-2022).



Liatis, Theofanis, Bhatti, Sofie FM, Dyrka, Magdalena, Gutierrez-Quintana, Rodrigo, Gonçalves, Rita, Madden, Megan and De Decker, Steven
(2023) Idiopathic and structural episodic nonintentional head tremor in dogs: 100 cases (2004-2022). Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 37 (6). pp. 2301-2309.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Although idiopathic episodic head tremor (IEHT) in dogs is well-known, little is known about structural brain lesions causing structural episodic head tremor (SEHT).<h4>Hypothesis/objectives</h4>Describe semiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and outcome of dogs with IEHT or SEHT. We hypothesized that structural lesions affecting the middle cranial fossa or mesencephalic aqueduct could lead to SEHT.<h4>Animals</h4>One hundred dogs with IEHT (n = 71) or SEHT (n = 29).<h4>Methods</h4>Retrospective, multicenter, study of dogs with episodic (nonintentional) head tremor and brain MRI between 2004 and 2022.<h4>Results</h4>Lesions on MRI in SEHT dogs were localized to the middle cranial fossa (15/29), cerebrocortex (3/29), brainstem (2/29), fourth ventricle (1/29) or multifocal (8/29) with thalamus involvement (6/8). Secondary compression of the mesencephalic aqueduct (19/29), third ventricle or interthalamic adhesion or both (14/29) was common. The most common underlying condition in dogs with SEHT was a pituitary mass. Dogs with SEHT were older, had additional neurological signs and were more likely to be euthanized after diagnosis (P < .001 for all) compared to IEHT dogs. Two SEHT dogs had only tremor. In IEHT dogs, 8/10 owners reported that the tremor decreased or abated over time (range, 106-2315 days) without treatment. Tremor remission occurred in SEHT dogs treated for underlying meningoencephalitis.<h4>Conclusions and clinical importance</h4>Presence of additional neurological signs and older age may indicate an underlying structural cause for episodic (nonintentional) head tremor involving the mesencephalic aqueduct, third ventricle, interthalamic adhesion or some combination of these. An intracranial structural abnormality cannot be excluded in dogs with normal neurological examination.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: bobble-head doll syndrome, head bobbing, idiopathic head tremor syndrome, secondary episodic head tremor, symptomatic episodic head tremor, Dogs, Animals, Tremor, Retrospective Studies, Third Ventricle, Brain, Head, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Dog Diseases
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2024 09:54
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 09:55
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16880
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3179031