Re: Scotty cramp

Posted by: Linda
Posted on: March 28, 2001 at 06:36:41

In Reply to: Scotty cramp
Posted by: Judy DeVasier
Posted on: March 27, 2001 at 21:12:08

Question:

: I am with the Jack Russell Terrier Rescue in the northwest US. We recenTly received a 3yo male in rescue, and we were told he as Scotty cramp or limp. I am unfamiliar with this condition. Our vet thought it was peculiar to Scottish terriers. But I see that Scotty cramp is listed under health concerns for the JR on this web site. Does anyone have any experience with this condition? Or can you refer me to where I can get more information? Thank you. Judy

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Hi Judy, This is what I found after doing a web search on Scotty Cramp and yes it is mostly found in Scottish Terriers, and not offen seen in Jack Russells but I guess it may have happend. I would have this dog diagnosed by a Orthopedist to make sure that this is a correct diagnosis, rather than the Jack Russell hop or something else. I haven't heard of a Jack Russell having this problem, unless it is a mix or a terrier that is longer in the back than the standard calls for.

Scotty Cramp

Scottish Terriers are affected with an inherited neurological disorder, commonly referred to as Scotty Cramp. It is not painful for the dog, but afflicted animals should not be bred. This disorder is characterized by occasional episodes of increased muscular cramping in which the dog has difficulty walking or standing. Scottish Terriers with cramp have no unusual health problems and live a normal life span. Given this, cramp is not as bad of an ailment as some other genetic disorders. Still, dogs displaying cramp should not be bred. Although Scottie Cramp is a permanent condition, it does not worsen with age. The vast majority of dogs affected with Scottie Cramp make perfectly wonderful companions, able to share virtually all activities with their families. Most do not need medication. However, owners may wish to limit exercise to below the threshold level for an incident of cramp.

While the disorder may arise as early as 6-8 weeks of age, it usually is not noticeable until an older age (6 months to a year. In mild cases, the dog learns to compensate for this cramping, making it extremely difficultfor even experienced breeders or veterinarians to spot the disorder. Scotty cramp is an autosomalrecessive inherited trait which affects males and females equally. Both the sire and dam must carry the gene in order for it to be transmitted to puppies. Not all puppies in a litter will exhibit signs of the disorder. Not all
will be carriers. Some researchers believe that Scotty Cramp is also linked to desirable traits because some of the best (in appearance) Scotties have in the past exhibited the trait in mild forms. As a result, theybelieve it may be difficult to eliminate the disorder from our Scots without changing the appearance and temperament of the dog we all love. Some researchers estimate that all lines carry Scotty cramp and that as much as 90% of all Scotties are carriers.
Hope this helps you some
Regards
Linda