The Clinical and Serological Effect of a Gluten-Free Diet in Border Terriers with Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS) is a paroxysmal movement disorder of Border Terriers (BTs). These dogs might respond to a gluten-free diet.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and serological effect of a gluten-free diet in BTs with CECS.


METHODS
Six client-owned BTs with clinically confirmed CECS.


METHODS
Dogs were prospectively recruited that had at least a 6-month history of CECS based on the observed phenomenology (using video) and had exhibited at least 2 separate episodes on different days. Dogs were tested for anti-transglutaminase 2 (TG2 IgA) and anti-gliadin (AGA IgG) antibodies in the serum at presentation, and 3, 6, and 9 months after the introduction of a gluten-free diet. Duodenal biopsies were performed in 1 dog.


RESULTS
Serum TG2 IgA titers were increased in 6/6 BTs (P = .006) and AGA IgG titers were increased in 5/6 BTs at presentation compared to those of controls (P = .018). After 9 months, there was clinical and serological improvement in all BTs with CECS strictly adhering to a gluten-free diet (5/5). One dog had persistently increased antibody titers. This dog scavenged horse manure. On the strict introduction of a gluten-free diet this dog also had an improved clinical and serological response. The diet-associated improvement was reversible in 2 dogs on completion of the study, both of which suffered a relapse of CECS on the re-introduction of gluten.


CONCLUSIONS
Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome in BTs is a gluten-sensitive movement disorder triggered and perpetuated by gluten and thus responsive to a gluten-free diet.
Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, UK.
M
M
Lowrie
Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
O A
OA
Garden
Department of Neurology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
M
M
Hadjivassiliou
Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK.
R J
RJ
Harvey
Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
D S
DS
Sanders
Powell Torrance Diagnostic Services, Higham Gobion, UK.
R
R
Powell
Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, UK.
L
L
Garosi
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D004285:Dogs; D020820:Dyskinesias / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000662:veterinary*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Dyskinesia; Gluten hypersensitivity; Movement disorder; Neurology; Paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia