🩺 Hereditary Scotty Cramp in Scottish Terriers – Vet‑Led Guide 2025 🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet. In this guide, we explore Scotty Cramp—a non-painful, hereditary neuromuscular disorder in Scottish Terriers. You’ll learn about the signs, causes, diagnosis, and how to manage episodes effectively at home—no stress, just love and clarity! 🐶💙

📘 What Is Scotty Cramp?

Scotty Cramp, also called “non-inflammatory hereditary Scotty cramp,” is an autosomal recessive genetic condition affecting Scottish Terriers (and occasionally Cesky Terriers) characterized by episodic, involuntary muscle hypertonicity—especially after excitement or exercise—without pain or loss of consciousness.

🚩 Who’s Affected & Why?

• Typically seen in puppies and young dogs (<1 year), though milder in adults.
• Affects both sexes as an autosomal recessive—both parents must carry the gene.
• Believed to result from abnormal serotonin metabolism in the CNS, leading to transmission issues.

⚠️ Signs & Symptoms

Episodes are triggered by excitement, stress, exercise, or anxiety and last a few minutes—sometimes up to 30—without loss of consciousness. Typical signs include:

• Stiff, goose‑stepping gait; arching of the back
• Hind limb hyperflexion or hyperextension; facial muscle twitching
• Shortness of breath, gasping, stumbling, sudden collapse
• No pain, no seizure—dogs remain conscious
• Severity ranges from mild to significant; it may decrease with behavior modifications

🔬 How We Diagnose It

1. History & video documentation: Owner-captured footage is invaluable.
2. Physical exam & baseline bloodwork: CBC, chemistries and urinalysis to rule out other causes.
3. Methysergide test: A serotonin antagonist that can trigger an episode, confirming diagnosis.
4. Differentiation: Rule out cerebellar degeneration, epileptoid cramping syndrome.

💊 Treatment & Management

Avoidance & Behavior Adjustment

• Avoid known triggers: reduce excitement, high-energy play, and stress.
• Allow dogs to rest or self-regulate during episodes.
• Provide a calm, low-stimulation environment.

Medical Supplements & Medications

• Vitamin E: raises the episode threshold; particularly helps mild cases.
• 5‑HTP: serotonin precursor—may reduce frequency.
• Diazepam: muscle relaxant, given during episodes or in anticipation.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac): SSRI; shown to reduce episode frequency/duration in some cases.

📊 Long-Term Outlook

• Generally benign—not painful or life-limiting
• Symptoms often mild and improve with age or trigger reduction
• Rarely severe—only isolated cases require euthanasia
• Recurrence varies, but with proper management, dogs live fulfilling lives

🏡 Home Care & Quality‑of‑Life Tips

1. Closely observe your dog for early signs and provide a calm cue to stop exercise before episodes begin.
2. Eliminate or closely monitor stressful triggers like large crowds, loud play, or competition with other dogs.
3. Stock supplements like Vitamin E and 5‑HTP, and know when to administer them.
4. Have medications like diazepam or fluoxetine available under veterinary guidance.
5. Keep soft flooring, avoid slippery surfaces, and provide rest areas.
6. Use Ask A Vet for support in dosage, management, and monitoring plans.

🐾 Role of Ask A Vet

Ask A Vet provides 24/7 access to guidance on supplement timing, medication safety, and environment modifications. Together, these tools promote comfort, consistency, and peace of mind. 💛

✨ Key Takeaways

• Scotty Cramp is a non-painful, episodic disorder triggered by excitement/exercise in Scottish Terriers.
• It’s hereditary and linked to serotonin metabolism, not a seizure.
• Diagnosis relies on observed episodes, exam, baseline tests, and sometimes methysergide.
• Mild–moderate cases respond to Vitamin E, SSRIs, diazepam, and trigger management.
• Proper care means normal lifespan, low impact on wellbeing, and a happy Scotty life.
• Reach out anytime via Vet or Ask A Vet for support during episodes or adjustments.

If your Scottish Terrier shows tense, awkward movement or distress during play or excitement—don’t worry. With patience, supplements, and professional guidance, Scotty Cramp can be easily managed. We're here to help. 🐾❤️