Review

Clinical approach of tremors in dogs and cats

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Abstract

Tremors are movement disorders that resemble involuntary rhythmic oscillatory sinusoidal movements of a body part. Twitches are the manifestation of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability and have variable frequencies and amplitudes. Tremor syndromes are a relatively common presentation in dogs and cats in clinical practice. It is important for the practitioner to be aware of the most common tremor syndromes, and how to recognize, diagnose and treat them. Taking a thorough clinical history and performing a detailed clinical and neurological examination, including tremor assessment are cornerstone processes for reaching a diagnosis. Tremors can be generalized, affecting the whole body and limbs, or focal, affecting specific parts of the animal. The most common etiologies of generalized tremors in dogs are corticosteroid-responsive tremor syndrome and intoxication, e.g. metaldehyde, mycotoxin. Common focal canine tremors include idiopathic episodic head tremor and orthostatic tremor. The most common cause of generalized tremors in cats is permethrin intoxication.